Questions and Answers
What is the condition of Oliver Twist at his birth?
He is born a sickly infant in a workhouse.
What happens to Oliver on his ninth birthday?
He is informed that he must return to the workhouse.
What request does Oliver make at the workhouse that shocks the authorities?
Who offers to take Oliver as an apprentice?
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What does Mrs. Sowerberry serve Oliver during his apprenticeship?
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What is Noah Claypole's role in the story?
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What does Oliver do after he runs away?
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Who is the Artful Dodger?
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Fagin teaches Oliver how to pickpocket.
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What ultimately happens to Oliver when he is accused of theft?
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Match the following characters with their actions or roles:
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Study Notes
Chapter 1 Summary
- Oliver Twist is born in a workhouse; his sickly mother dies shortly after giving birth.
- A parish surgeon and a drunken nurse attend his birth; the mother was found abandoned in the streets.
- The absence of a wedding ring implies an illegitimate birth.
Chapter 2 Summary
- Oliver is sent to a branch-workhouse due to his age; the overseer, Mrs. Mann, neglects the children's needs.
- Oliver's desperate request for more food at dinner shocks the authorities, prompting a reward announcement for anyone willing to take him away.
Chapter 3 Summary
- Oliver is punished in public as a deterrent; Mr. Gamfield, a chimney sweep, shows interest in taking him as an apprentice.
- The magistrate notices Oliver's fear and declines to approve the apprenticeship after Oliver pleads for mercy, leading to further advertising for his placement.
Chapter 4 Summary
- The workhouse considers sending Oliver to sea, but he becomes an apprentice to Mr. Sowerberry, the undertaker.
- Oliver is mistreated, fed scraps, and grows quickly accustomed to being starved.
Chapter 5 Summary
- Oliver witnesses the sad reality of funerals and undertaker services, growing disenchanted with death and burial work.
- Death through starvation becomes a common theme as the grieving family faces harsh treatment from authorities.
Chapter 6 Summary
- A measles epidemic occurs, leading to increased work for Oliver in the funeral business; he is still treated poorly by Sowerberry and other apprentices.
- Noah Claypole, feeling jealous of Oliver, provokes him, resulting in a physical confrontation.
Chapter 7 Summary
- After being wronged, Oliver is locked in a cellar and decides to escape early the next day, encountering an old friend, Dick, who keeps his secret.
Chapter 8 Summary
- Oliver embarks on a journey to London, battling hunger and cold for seven days.
- He meets Jack Dawkins, “the Artful Dodger,” who offers him shelter through a gentleman in London, hinting at a dubious lifestyle.
Chapter 9 Summary
- Fagin lures Oliver into the world of crime with promises of camaraderie; Oliver remains unaware of the true nature of the activities.
- Fagin shows Oliver how pickpocketing is practiced, introducing him to other members of the gang.
Chapter 10 Summary
- Oliver is taken out for a practice run and witnesses a theft; the situation escalates as he is mistakenly accused of theft by a wealthy gentleman.
- The Dodger and Charley abandon Oliver during the chase, leaving him to face the consequences alone.
Chapter 11 Summary
- Locked in a jail cell, Oliver encounters Mr. Brownlow, who sees a resemblance that piques his interest.
- Oliver faints in court; although initially sentenced to hard labor, he is later exonerated when the real thieves are identified. Brownlow takes him home, showing compassion.
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Description
Test your knowledge of the first eleven chapters of 'Oliver Twist' with these flashcards. Each card provides a summary and key details about the events and characters in the story. Perfect for students looking to review their understanding of Dickens' classic novel.
