Oliver Twist: A Summary Chapter by Chapter

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Oliver Twist

Chapter 1

Oliver Twist is born in a workhouse with the help of a drunken nurse and the parish surgeon. His mother, who they had found on the streets that night, has no wedding ring and after kissing her child on the forehead, dies.

Chapter 2

Oliver is sent to a workhouse branch for children like him. The overseer is given a sum of money to keep each child healthy, but she keeps most of it for herself and lets the children starve and occasionally die. When Oliver turns nine, a church official named Mr. Bumble takes Oliver to return to the workhouse. At the workhouse, the poor slowly go hungry instead of the quick starvation they would face on the streets. During dinner one night, the children cast lots to see who will ask for more food. Oliver is chosen and and when he makes the request, the officials are so upset they offer a five pound reward to whoever will take Oliver away from the workhouse.

Chapter 3

Oliver is flogged and locked away as an example to others. A cruel chimney sweep makes and offer to take Oliver and his apprentice. However, many boys have died under his care so he is only rewarded three pounds. Oliver, Mr. Bumble, and the chimney sweep appear before a judge to finalize the deal, but the judge notices Oliver's frightened and pale face. When asked why he seems so scared, Oliver falls down and begs to be beaten or killed instead of being made the chimney sweep's apprentice. The judge refuses to allow the apprenticeship and the reward for Oliver is once again advertised.

Chapter 4

The officials consider making Oliver a cabin boy, thinking he will die very quickly in the horrible conditions, but the parish undertaker, Mr. Sowerberry, takes Oliver as an apprentice. Mrs. Sowerberry dev...

... middle of paper ...

...d eyes and accidentally hangs himself.

Chapter 51

Oliver and his friend journey to his birth town, along with Monks. They find that a letter was written that said as long as Oliver committed no illegal acts, he shall inherit the estate, otherwise the estate should belong to Monks. They also found that Rose was actually Agnes' sister, and upon hearing that her parents were not disgraced, she agreed to marry Harry.

Chapter 52

Fagin has been sentenced to death, but before he is hanged, Oliver and Brownlow visit him to discover where he hid the papers verifying Oliver's heritage.

Chapter 53

Noah is pardoned for his crimes because he decides to testify against Fagin. Monks and Oliver each receive half of their father's estate, although Monks squanders his and ends up dying in prison. Brownlow adopts Oliver and they live near a church where Harry preaches.

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