Oliver Twist: Chapters 1 & 2 Summary

Chapter 1: Oliver Twist Is Born

• Oliver Twist was born in a workhouse
• There was doubt if Oliver would survive after birth, but he cried loudly after a few struggles
• He lay briefly breathless as if deciding between life and death
  • Simulating the fragility of life
• His mother requested to see him before she died
• She says "Let me see the child and die"
  • Signifying her acceptance of death, but also hope with his birth
• The doctor, rising from a place near the fire, rebuttals, saying that he does not want her to lose hope
• The doctor says, “Oh, you must not talk about dying yet"
• The nurse echos this, "Goodness, no!"
• The doctor rises from his seat by the fire and approaches her
  • Shows empathy
• As she held him, she pressed her cold white lips on his forehead, looked wildly around, passed her hands over her face and died
• Her actions imply a mix of love, despair, and a final farewell to the world
• The doctor notes the mother was good-looking and was brought to the workhouse last night
• She was found lying in the street
• The circumstances around her arrival suggest mystery and desperation
• Her shoes were torn, and it's unknown where she came from or was heading - Indicating hardship during her travels
• The old woman told the doctor that it was unknown where she came from - Underscorring the lack of knowledge about her past and identity
• The doctor saw no wedding ring on her left hand suggesting social stigma and a lack of family support for her
  • The expression "The old story" is the doctor's acknowledgement of a familiar, unfortunate situation
• The doctor says "Ah! Good night!" - Showing his resignation towards the prevalent social issues it implies
• Oliver cried as the nurse dressed him
• The motherless child would have cried even louder if he knew the future that awaited him - This foreshadows the suffering and challenges in his life

Chapter 2: Early Years

• Oliver was bottle-fed for 8-10 months sporadically
• He was then sent to a smaller workhouse 3 miles away
• Twenty to thirty orphans lived there with insufficient food and clothing without enough food or clothing
• Mrs. Mann, an elderly woman, managed the children
• She received seven and a half pence weekly from the government for each child
• Mrs. Mann used a large portion of the allowance for herself, barely feeding the children enough to survive
• It cannot be expected that this system of bringing up children would produce healthy specimens
• Oliver was pale, weak, thin, and under average height on his ninth birthday but had spirit
  • Juxtaposition of his physical state and inner resolve suggests resilience
• He spent his ninth birthday locked in a coal cellar with two other children after they were beaten for asking for food
  • The coal cellar is a symbol of neglect and inhumane treatment
• Mrs. Mann was surprised by the appearance of Mr Bumble, a workhouse official
• Mr. Bumble was fat, and he was full of his own importance - His physical description indicates corruption and self-interest
• His visit was related to taking Oliver back to the large workhouse, as he was too old to remain with Mrs Mann
• Implying that the workhouses were age-segregated
• Oliver was quickly washed and led in to Mr. Bumble to meet him
• Mrs Mann acted as his kind-hearted protrectress during the process of introducing Oliver to Bumble
• Oliver bowed as instructed by Mrs. Mann
• Mr Bumble asked Oliver if he would go with with him, in clear, ringing tones
• Oliver hesitated when he saw Mrs. Mann making what he knew were threatening gestures - Highlighting the limited agency Oliver exercises in his life
• He understood what she meant immediately
• Oliver acted sad to go away
• This was easy due to the circumstances and lack of food
• Mrs. Mann gave him many kisses
• She also gave him bread and butter so he would not seem hungry at the workhouse - It is emphasized that the love is not genuine
• No kindness lit his dark early years before he was escorted away by Mr. Bumble
• Juxtaposed with the workhouse with hints of foreshadowing of the even worse mistreatment to come
• Life in the workhouse was very severe
• The board of management had ruled that the children would work to earn their living, and they would get three meals of thin soup a day
• They would also have an onion twice a week and half a piece of cake on Sundays
• Depicts a bleak and regimented existence for the children
• The room in which the boys were fed was a large stone hall with a huge pot at one end
• The master with the assistance of a women or two served the soup
• The master and a couple of women served the soup
• Each boy had one small bowl but on public holidays they would get bread also
• The bowls were cleaned by spoons
• They boys would watch the pot intently as if they could eat it

Chapter 3: A Chimney Sweep Offers to Take Oliver

• Oliver and the other boys suffered in silence for 3 months
• One boy feared he would eat the boy next to him if he didn’t get more food
• All the boys believed him due to he wild look
  • This creates fear and desperation
• A council was held and votes were cast
  • Votes are cast when the the boys are hungry and desperate
• Oliver was chosen to ask the master for more food after supper
• The master was serving food in his cook uniform next to the pot with two assistants
• Oliver approached the master with his bowl and asked for more
  • His simple request represents a challenge to the established exploitative system
• The large, healthy master turned pale from shock
• He hit his head with a large spoon, grabbed him, and called for Mr. Bumble
• Mr. Bumble entered the room where the board members were meeting
• Mr Bumble told Mr Limbkins that Oliver Twist had asked for more
• There was general alarm
  • Reflecting the authorities' shock at disobedience
• The members faces showed horror
• Someone on the board said the Oliver would hanged one day
  • Indicates the extreme consequences for challenging the established system
• Oliver was locked up immediately
• A notice was posted saying that someone would receive five pounds to take Oliver Twist away from the workhouse
  • This is a plot device setting up for the next section.
• For weeks after asking for more, Oliver remained in the dark and lonely room
• Oliver punishment was being locked away in the dark and lonely room
• He washed himself under a pump in a stone yard every morning
• He was allowed to wash himself every morning under a pump in the stone yard
• He was watched by Mr Bumble with a stick to prevent illness during the cold weather
• He was also beaten in public every other day as an example for society
  • To show the harsh punishments and lack of compassion inflicted on children
• Mr. Gamfield, a chimney sweep, was heading down High Street thinking how to pay his rent
  • Introduces a figure driven by economic hardship.
• He observed the notice on the gate of the workhouse
• The gentleman ordered the chimney sweep to walk in, and then took him to Mr Limbkins
• He told one of the gentlemen of the board that he desired to apprentice Oliver
• The old gentlemen ordered Mr Gamfield walk in, then took him to Mr. Limbkins
• Arrangements were made, with Mr. Bumble instructed to take Oliver and his apprenticeship papers to the magistrate for approval that afternoon
• Mr Bumble instructed Oliver to feign happiness
• He was told to say he wanted to be apprenticed if the gentleman inquired
  • Showing a scheme designed manipulates the system's formalities
• On their way to the magistrate
• They reached the office and appeared before the magistrate, an old gentleman with eyeglasses
• Mr Bumble told him that this was the boy, and asked him to bow to the magistrate
• Oliver bows
• The old gentleman inquired on whether Oliver liked sweeping chimneys
• Mr. Bumble replies yes while threateningly looking at Oliver
  • Exposing a threat to control and silence Oliver
• The old gentleman says that Gamfield would treat and feed Oliver well
• The old gentleman says Mr Gamfield would treat Oliver well, and feed him well
• Gamfield replies roughly
• The old gentleman says Mr Gamfield looks honest, open-hearted while clearly seeming cruel
  • Highlight the magistrate's inability to perceive true character
• But the magistrate was half blind; his judgement could not be trusted
• The magistrate puts his glasses on more firmly and seeks the inkpot
• It was an important event in Oliver's future
• If the inkpot was easily found, he would have been led away
• The inkpot could not be found since it was under his nose
• However, since it's hidden, the magistrate chances to look straight ahead after failing to look for it and sees fear in Oliver's face
  • Creating suspense, the inkpot represents Oliver's fate hinging on chance
• The old gentleman puts down his pen and look from Oliver to Mr. Bumble
• The gentleman sits up after looking from him to Mr Bumble
• He said "My boy! You look alarming, stand away from this man and tell me what is the matter? Don’t be afraid"
• Oliver fell to his knees, joining both hands together, and begged the magistrate to take him back to the room, or kill him if he liked
• He asked to be beat or even killed and to not be sent away with that awful man
• Mr Bumble says Oliver is the most ungrateful orphan ever seen
• The magistrate holds his tongue and says he will not sign the papers
• The plea is a turning point where compassion intervenes in his life
• He ordered Oliver to be taken back to the workhouse and treated kindly, he seemed to need it
• The people were told that five pounds would be giving to who ever took Oliver Twist

Chapter 4: Oliver Is Apprenticed to an Undertaker

• Mr Bumble was walking back to the workhouse when he met Mr Sowerberry, the undertaker
  • This is setting up Oliver's next placement
• He was a tall, bony man dressed in worn black
• Mr Sowerberry said that she had taken the measurements of the two women that died last night.
• Reveals the undertaker is callous and preoccupied with death
• Mr Bumble said that Mr Sowerberry would make a fortune
• Mr Sowerberry said that the prices were very small
• so were the given coffins
• Mr Sowerberry laughed for a long time at this joke
• He conceded the coffins were narrower since the new feeding system was introduced but they still needed profit
• The exchange suggest the dehumanizing relationship between poverty and death
• Wood was expensive
• Mr Bumble said that every trade has its disadvantages
• Mr Sowerberry asked if Mr Bumble any knew anyone who wanted a boy
• A segue and transition into the new characters
• Mr Bumble and Mr Sowerberry spoke of a boy and Mr Sowerberry decided to take Oliver
• Mr Bumble seized the undertaker by the arm and led him into the building where a deal was quickly arranged
• Oliver should go the undertaker's house that evening
• Oliver heard this news in perfect silence
  • Showing resignation to his inevitable fate
• Mr Bumble led him with all his lugguage, a plain brown wraper
• It was a new scene of suffering
• They walked in silence, and Mr Bumble look down on Oliver to make sure he was clean enough to be seen by Mr. Sowerberry
• Oliver tells the boy to hold his head and pull the cap off his eyes
• Oliver does what he is asked at once
• However, tears filled his eyes when he looked at Mr Bumble, who stared a him coldly
• The child attempted not to but the tears went down his face, and he covered his eyes with both hands
  • Demonstrating the lack of empathy and affection for Oliver
• Mr Bumble stopped and looked at Oliver with hatred
• He said Oliver was the most unpleasant and ungrateful boy ever seen
• Oliver said he would be good indeed
• "So what?" asked Bumble
• "So lonely!" cried oliver - Displaying Oliver's vulnerability and need for connection
• The undertaker had just closed his shop and was writing down the details of the day's business when Mr Bumble entered
• Mr Bumble said he brought the boy, Oliver
• The undertaker said "Oh! that's the boy" and held the lamp to look closer
• He asked Mrs. Sowerberry to come as well
• Mrs. Sowerberry, a short, thin, bad-tempered woman came from the back
• Mr Sowerberry introduce him from workhouse
• His said says he is very small
• Mr Bumble told Mr Sowerberry's wife that the boy was only rather small but that he'll grow
• Sowerberry's wife said that workhouse children always cost more to keep that they are worth
• The exchange reveals the economic burdens and prejudices facing workhouse children
• Mrs ordered Oliver down to the workhouse
• The undertaker wife led Oliver downstairs to the kitchen with an untidy dressed girl
• She told Charlotte to give Oliver some of the cold bits of meat that were put aside for the dog - Charlotte follows after Sowerberry who pushes down Oliver
• Oliver eats greedily when ordered to
• Charlotte puts meat out for him because the dog didn't come home
• Ms Sowerberry silently watches with horror before taking her lamp and showing Oliver his new bed - The horror represents their disgust with him and their contempt of poverty
• She showed Oliver the new bed and also said that Oliver had to sleep amongst the coffins
• Oliver obeyed without a without a word
  • The coffins that Oliver must sleep next to symbolize the closeness of death and his insignificance

Chapter 5: Noah Claypole

• Oliver was by himself at the undertaker's shop
• He put the lamp on a bench and looked around him
• An unfinished coffin made him afraid; he thought he'd see a terrible form come out and make him mad - Symbolizing the threat of death and the macabre atmosphere surrounding Oliver
• He was woken in the morning by a loud kicking at the shop door
• He hurried to unlock the chain
• An angry voice commanded him to open the door, asking "Open the door, will you?"
• Oliver said he'll be open soon while turning the key and removing the chain
• The voice ask Oliver if he was the new boy
• Which Oliver replied "yes, sir"
• The voice inquired how old Oliver was
• Oliver was 10
• The voice threatened to whip Oliver when he got in, and then began to whistle - Threat demonstrates intent to dominate and abuse
• Oliver opened the door with a trembling hand
• He looked around but only saw one slightly older boy sitting on a post eating bread and butter
• Oliver apologized and ask if he was the one who knocked
• "I kicked" replied the boy
• Then Oliver ask if he wanted to buy a coffin
• The older boy tells Oliver that he will be the one in need of coffin soon with that kind of attitude - Creates tension
• The boy said Oliver didn't know who he am
• Oliver said no
• The boy then proceeds to say, that he is Mr. Noah Claypole, and that you should work under me and enter kick the shop
• He says "And you work under me"
  • Establishing a clear hierarchy of dominance and servitude
• Wit h this , Mr Cla ypo le gav e Oli ver a kic k and ent ere (d) the shop
• Mr and Mrs Sowerberry visit Oliver soon after Noah
• Charlotte told Noah to get near the fire and that she would saved a nice bit of bacon from the Master's meal
• Charlotte the tells Oliver to get that door while Noah's there and drink over that box
• Noah started to ask Oliver if he heard Charlotte
• Charlotte bursted out laughing and mocked Oliver's behaviour
  • Mocking Oliver
• Noah the charity-boy, and came from a poor home
• Noah was supported by public money
• His mother was a poor washerwoman
• His father was a drunken out-of-work soldier
• Oliver endures several months of harsh treatment for several months untill one day which lead Oliver to change
• Oliver and Noah went downstairs together
• Noah put put his feet on the tablecloth and pulled Oliver's hair to annoy him during the usual dinner
  • A disrespect and demeaning gesture
• Noah insulted Oliver. Oliver said that he should not talk about his mom! - Illustrative the power of familial memory and dignity
• Noah said that his mom was a bad woman
• Oliver said that he was lying and that he better not say anything new
• the two insults which made Oliver's nose and mouth red led claypole to think Oliver would burst to cry and started laughing - Claypole's misunderstanding of Oliver's emotion indicates a gross misinterpretation of Oliver's character, showcasing the superficial view of others towards Oliver instead of a true interpretation of empathy
• She went to the workhouse said? Noah
• Oliver asked them to close out but they didn't hear so they jumped to action and started wrestling each other
• Oliver insulted them, but they jumped into action
• Noah tried to murder and called the Sowerberry
• He'll muder me shouted Noah
• Mr Bumble and Mrs Sowerberry said that Oliver never said her
• She was going to faint claimed Charlotte
• Charlotte demanded for Water
• They were locked up in the basement/cellar for many hours
• The cold water had poured over there, and they we're thanking the Lord in God's name they did not enter our bedrooms
• All Mrs Sowerberry had ever wanted was to beat Oliver
• Oliver’s mother, started kicking strongly the door again
• Oliver's wrong doing was that he the Sowerberry and Charlottel’s mother called names
• Oliver said that Noah had called his mother names
• Mrs. Sowerberry said that she deserved what he said
• She said"Well, and what if he did, you ungrateful child?"
• Oliver replies she didn't
• Mrs Sowerberry said "She did
• Oliver called it a lie - An act of rebellion and devotion to his mother's memory
• Mrs Sowerberry burst int tears, which left Mr. Sowerberry no choice but beat Oliver to the pleasure of Mrs. Sowerberry
• Since Mrs Sowerberry cried, Mr sawberry has no choice to whip Oliver
• Mr. Bumble used his stick as well
• Oliver was shutout the rest of day and ordered upstairs by Mrs. Sowerberry
• It was not until he was left alone in the silence of the undertaker’s dark workshop that Oliver gave way to his feelings
• Highlighting Oliver as a deeply sympathetic character; even the abuse he does not cry, the the thought of insults toHis mother brings him to tears
• He had listed to their to insults and beatings without crying, but now, when there was nobody to see or hear him, he wept such tears that few so young have ever poured out
• He then made a plan
• Oliver Undid the chain with out anyone knowing that it would occur –It was dark and cold. This leads to new chapter –
• He rose and carefully looked around the room for signs of people, before gently undoing the the bolts and chains and glancing outside
• Demonstrating that it is in the worst conditions that Oliver does not get phased, and this leads to the new chapter
• There was no wind, and the dark shadows thrown by the tree were frightening
• He closed the door again, bundled his clothing and sat down on a bench to wait for morning
• He rose with the light that struggled through the windows and unlocked the door again
• After a moment in the doorway, he disappeared into the street

Chapter 6: The Artful Dodger

• By eight o’clock Oliver was nearly five miles away from the town
• He ran and hid for the possibility he was being chased
• Then he sat down to rest beside a milestone and began to think, for the first time, where he could go - Reflects the isolation of his life
• The milestone said that he was 70 miles from London
• He decided to got to London because he had heard old men at the workhouse said that it was easy for a boy to earn a living there if they had spirit - This decision is a turning point. Foreshadowing further events. Representing his desire for self-determination and his belief in his own resourcefulness
• He walked 20 miles that day and only ate a piece of dry bread
• He turned into a field for the night, and soon fell asleep
• He felt cold and stiff again in the morning, so hungry that he spent his only penny on a small loaf of bread
• Another night passed in the cold air and he hardly move his body
• He continue for six days, and begged cottages
• He walked to Barnet early on the seventh day and came to a stop with bleeding feet
• The streets empty
• The Sun served to show the boy his loneliness as he sat, with bleeding feet and covered with dust, on a doorstep - Underscoring the contrast between the world's beauty and his suffering
• a boy walked by him who the returned to ask what the problem was, this surprised Oliver
  • Surprise that reflects the rarity kindness
• The boy named Jack Dawkins was Oliver's age with strange looks but all the manners of a man
• He was a dirty little boy who appeared to have all the manners of a man, and called himself "The Artful Dodger"
  • Highlights characters contrast. He presents himself like an sophisticated manner.
• Oliver said he was hungry and tired and had been walking for seven days
• Jack then asked Oliver to describe his hunger
• Jack Dawkins said Oliver could have some food, and that although Jack was poor himself he had a coin or two
• Jack took Oliver to buy meat bread and bought a pot of beer in a public house Jack asked if he was going to London Jack asked him if he had anywhere to stay or any money
• Jack whistled with little arms in his pockets, and asked if Oliver lived in London
• Dodger said he knew a a respectable old gentleman that will allow Oliver to say with him tonight because Dodger knows him very well
• Oliver said said he had not slept under a roof in more than a week
• Dodger said he knew a a respectable old gentleman that will allow Oliver to say with him tonight because Dodger knows him very well
• Dodger said that the old man would offer a comfortable job, without loss of time
• The plan to stay there that night was too hard to resist
  • Oliver to allow Jack to bring him there, rather than stay and have some type of security, is a sign of weakness from Oliver, and he will soon regret this.
• Oliver learn that his acquaintance was named Jack Dawkins
• Oliver learns and also remembers the name of Jack for when he needs him
• Jack objected to enter London before nightfall
• It was 11PM when they reached the edge of the city
• They went through some dark and dirty parts of London, until they reached the bottom of the hill
• Oliver was just wondering whether or not to run away, when the Dodger pushed open the door of a house and, pulling him into the passage, closed it behind them
• Jack gave a whistle and a faint light shone on the wall at the end of the passage
• This was followed slowly by a man’s face
• ‘There’s two of you,’ said the man, shading his eyes with his hand. “Who's the other one?'
  • ‘a new friend, replied Jack Dawkins, pulling Oliver forward and asking ‘Is Fagin upstairs?’
• -‘Yes, he’s sorting the handkerchiefs. Go on up!’ First the light and then the face disappeared
• Oliver follow closely to Jack, who open the door of black room and pulled Oliver in after him
• Oliver followed Jack and climbed up the dark stains
• Suggesting the moral decline and the darkness that overshadowing it
• The walls and ceiling of the room were completely black with age and dirt. There was a wooden table in front of the fire, on which were a candle, stuck in a beer bottle, two or three cups, a loaf and butter, and a plate
• Standing over some sausages cooking was an very old Jew, whose evil-looking face was partly hidden by his thick, red hair
• The old man is cooking up an evil plan
• There were rough beds made of old cloths laid side by side on the floor
• Emphasizing the impoverished condition of the room's inhabitants
• Fagin divided paying attention between the cooking pan and a number of silk handkerchiefs which were hanging on a line
• Fagin divides his time between cooking and overseeing sorted silk handkerchiefs hanging on a line
• The smoke and hankerchiefs being cooked is used a metaphor describing chaos, disorder
• Seated round the table were four or five boys, none older than the Dodger, smoking long clay pipes and drinking spirits with the air of middle-aged men
• Displaying moral corruption and accelerated loss of innocence
• They all came around Dodger talking to the old man, Jack, then Oliver and crowded round Dodger as he whisperes a few words to the old man
• ‘this is him Fagin" says dodger,"my friend Oliver Twist"
• The warm greeting is misleading, hiding more sinister undertones
• Fagin smiled and wanted to have the honor of his friendship. Fagin tells others boys to check Oliver’s clothing and what he has
• Fagin tells others boys to give Oliver a seat, but the hanker chiefs are more important than the sausage
• The old man smiled and hoped he would have the honor of his friendship. Upon this the young gentlemen with the pipes approached and shook both his hands very hard, especially the one in which he held his few clothes
• “We are very glad to see you, Oliver, said the old man. Dodger, take off the sausages, and pull a chair near the fire for Oliver. Ah, you're looking at the handkerchiefs, eh, my dear? We've just sorted them out, ready for the wash; that’s all, Oliver; that’s all. Ha! ha! ha!’ - Fagin words are a smoke-screen designed to deceive those around him The last part of his speech was greeted with a loud shout of laughter from all the pupils of the cheerful old gentleman, and then they all sat down again to eat supper.
• All that is to follow, is the supper and the plans the master will have for Oliver