Oliver Twist Chapter Analysis

Questions and Answers

What was offered on the bill posted outside the gate regarding Oliver Twist?

Five pounds for his rescue from confinement.

Five pounds for a bounty on his head.

Five pounds for anyone who would take him as an apprentice. (correct)

Five pounds for anyone willing to adopt him.

What does the gentleman in the white waistcoat predict about Oliver Twist?

He will escape confinement.

He will become a famous artist.

He will lead a successful life.

He will be hung. (correct)

What was the consequence of Oliver asking for more food?

He was confined as punishment. (correct)

He was immediately sent out of the workhouse.

He was rewarded with extra food.

He was promoted to a kitchen supervisor.

What was Oliver's reaction to the gentleman's prediction?

He was indifferent to it. Signup and view all the answers

What obstacle prevented Oliver from taking drastic action as suggested by the gentleman?

His age and childishness. Signup and view all the answers

Why were pocket-handkerchiefs removed from paupers?

By order of the board for specific reasons. Signup and view all the answers

How long did Oliver remain a close prisoner after his offense?

A week. Signup and view all the answers

What sentiment does the narrative convey regarding the board's decision on confinement?

It was unjust and cruel. Signup and view all the answers

What instruction did Mr. Bumble give to Oliver regarding his behavior when meeting the magistrate?

To look very happy and express eagerness Signup and view all the answers

How did Mr. Bumble's demeanor change when he prepared to take Oliver to meet the gentlemen?

He appeared grim and threatening Signup and view all the answers

What was Oliver's emotional state while he waited alone in the room?

Nervous and anxious Signup and view all the answers

What can be inferred about the gentlemen behind the desk based on their actions?

They were uninterested in the proceedings Signup and view all the answers

What was the significance of Mr. Bumble's warning to Oliver before entering the room?

To remind Oliver of the potential repercussions of failure Signup and view all the answers

What detail indicates a disparity in social status among the characters present?

The gentlemen had powdered heads and spectacles Signup and view all the answers

What was Oliver's reaction to Mr. Bumble's contradictory address?

He felt confused and didn't understand Signup and view all the answers

What feeling does the description of Oliver waiting in the little room imply?

Fear of being rejected Signup and view all the answers

What emotion does Oliver feel when he is given food by Mr. Bumble?

Confusion Signup and view all the answers

What does Mr. Bumble imply about the cost of Oliver's apprenticeship?

It is a significant burden on the parish. Signup and view all the answers

Why does Mr. Bumble refer to Oliver as a 'naughty orphan'?

To highlight the lack of love he receives. Signup and view all the answers

What does Mr. Bumble claim will happen to Oliver as a result of being 'prenticed'?

He will become a productive member of society. Signup and view all the answers

How does Mr. Gamfield react when the bargain is made?

He gradually begins to smile. Signup and view all the answers

What does Oliver think when presented with food?

He assumes it is a trick to fatten him. Signup and view all the answers

How does Mr. Bumble describe the gentleman who is taking Oliver as an apprentice?

As a kind and blessed gentleman. Signup and view all the answers

What tone does Mr. Bumble adopt while speaking about Oliver's future?

Pompous and impressive. Signup and view all the answers

What positive experience did Oliver gain during his time with Mr. Sowerberry?

He acquired substantial experience in undertakings. Signup and view all the answers

How did the relatives of deceased individuals behave at the funerals?

They appeared cheerful and engaged in conversation. Signup and view all the answers

What was noticeable about the reactions of husbands and wives after a loss?

They showed courage and maintained a calm demeanor. Signup and view all the answers

What effect did the funeral ceremonies have on the attendees afterward?

They managed to recover their composure very quickly. Signup and view all the answers

What societal perception about grief is reflected in Oliver's observations?

People often hide their true emotions in public. Signup and view all the answers

What was a common cause of death that impacted the community during this time?

Measles prevalence. Signup and view all the answers

Which characteristic did Oliver particularly admire in the individuals he observed?

Their beautiful resignation and fortitude in the face of loss. Signup and view all the answers

How did the mothers in the town react to Oliver's role in the funerals?

They regarded him with admiration and emotion. Signup and view all the answers

What was the nature of Noah Claypole's treatment towards Oliver Twist?

He treated Oliver worse than before due to jealousy. Signup and view all the answers

Who were the three individuals that contributed to Oliver's discomfort?

Charlotte, Noah Claypole, and Mrs. Sowerberry. Signup and view all the answers

How did Charlotte's behavior towards Oliver relate to Noah's actions?

Charlotte treated Oliver poorly because Noah did. Signup and view all the answers

What type of food were Oliver and Noah supposed to have for dinner?

A small joint of mutton. Signup and view all the answers

Which phrase best describes Noah Claypole's character?

Malicious and troublesome. Signup and view all the answers

What act did Oliver experience that was described as seemingly unimportant but significant?

An encounter with Noah that led to future consequences. Signup and view all the answers

What was Oliver's emotional state when subjected to Noah's taunts?

Meekly submitting to the situation. Signup and view all the answers

What was Noah's intention regarding Oliver's future when he expressed his opinion about him?

To watch him get hanged. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Oliver Twist's Confinement

Oliver was placed into instant confinement after asking for more food, reflecting the harsh treatment of poverty-stricken children.
A notice was posted offering a reward of five pounds to anyone willing to take Oliver as an apprentice, illustrating society's disregard for orphaned children.

Mr. Bumble and the Magistrates

Mr. Bumble informs Oliver about his appointment as an apprentice, leveraging the opportunity to emphasize the financial burden of three pounds ten on the parish.
Mr. Bumble instructs Oliver to act happy and compliant, highlighting the manipulation and control exercised over orphans.

Oliver's Release and Initial Existence

Oliver experiences brief reprieve as he is cleaned up and given food, sparking his fear of being fattened for some grim purpose.
The contrast between Oliver's innocence and the cruel intentions of the adults surrounding him is evident in Mr. Bumble's pompous demeanor.

Mr. Sowerberry's Undertaking Business

Oliver becomes an apprentice to Mr. Sowerberry, the undertaker, marking the beginning of his journey within a grim profession.
Oliver observes the behaviors of the grieving families, noting the dissonance between public expressions of grief and their private cheerfulness.

Bullying and Ill-treatment

Oliver faces continued bullying from Noah Claypole, who resents Oliver's position and deteriorates Oliver's already difficult situation.
The relationship dynamics among characters, including Noah, Charlotte, and Mrs. Sowerberry, contribute to Oliver's sense of isolation and discomfort.

Pivotal Moment in Oliver's Life

A seemingly insignificant dinner incident, where Noah aggravates Oliver, signifies the build-up of his suffering and foreshadows more significant challenges ahead.
The theme of cruelty and the struggle of innocence against a harsh environment is highlighted through Noah's actions and Oliver's reactions.

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Explore the themes and characters in this pivotal moment of 'Oliver Twist', where Oliver faces confinement and the community's choices regarding his fate. This quiz will delve into the social commentary Dickens provides through this narrative segment.