Lecture 5: Monks PDF

Lecture 5 MONKS  Oliver & Monks Oliver first encounters Monks by chance while he’s staying with the Maylies. Monks is in the same village as Oliver, but they don’t actually meet in person at this point. Oliver briefly sees Monks when he happens to look out of a window a...

Lecture 5 MONKS  Oliver & Monks Oliver first encounters Monks by chance while he’s staying with the Maylies. Monks is in the same village as Oliver, but they don’t actually meet in person at this point. Oliver briefly sees Monks when he happens to look out of a window and catches a glimpse of a man with a dark, sinister look. This figure gives Oliver an intense, hostile stare before disappearing, leaving Oliver feeling uneasy and disturbed. Monks, though initially mysterious, is already conspiring against Oliver behind the scenes. He has a deep-seated hatred for Oliver and has been tracking him, hoping to ensure that Oliver never learns about his inheritance or his family ties. Later in the novel, Mr. Brownlow pieces together Monks' involvement in Oliver's life and brings the truth to light.  Monks’ Role in the Novel 1. Monks’ Mysterious Appearance: Monks first appears as a dark, shadowy figure lurking in the background, observing Oliver and the people connected to him. This initial depiction creates an aura of mystery around him, as he seems to have a hidden agenda. When Oliver glimpses him by chance, Monks’ cold, hostile stare unsettles him, even though Oliver does not yet know who he is or why he feels threatened. 2. Evidence: Monks is described with "a scowling countenance" and "dark, sinister looks" that make Oliver uneasy. This description in Chapter 26 foreshadows Monks’ villainous intentions and his role as a dangerous, concealed threat to Oliver.  Plotting with Fagin: Monks meets Fagin, the leader of the criminal gang, and pays him to keep Oliver in a life of crime. He hopes that Oliver’s association with criminals will tarnish his reputation and prevent him from ever claiming his family’s inheritance. This plot to ruin Oliver reveals Monks' deep-seated hatred, and his willingness to exploit the vulnerable reflects his lack of conscience. Evidence: In Chapter 38, Monks tells Fagin that he wants to make sure Oliver "shall be a thief" so that he "may die in the same room with you." This exchange reveals Monks’ complete disregard for Oliver’s well- being and his desire to see him suffer.  Destruction of Evidence: Monks goes further to ensure Oliver can never learn of his true heritage. He destroys crucial evidence of Oliver’s birthright—a locket and a ring that once belonged to Oliver’s mother, Agnes. These items, which Monks throws into the river, would have proved Oliver’s connection to their father, ensuring Oliver’s inheritance. By eliminating these artifacts, Monks aims to erase Oliver’s identity and inheritance completely. Evidence: In a confrontation with Mr. Brownlow, Monks admits to getting rid of "a small gold locket and a ring," items that were part of a letter from Oliver’s mother to his father, a document that confirmed Oliver’s birthright (Chapter 49). This act of destruction is a testament to Monks’ ruthless nature and obsession with denying Oliver his rightful legacy.  Involvement in Nancy’s Death: Although Monks does not directly kill Nancy, his actions lead to her tragic end. When Nancy overhears Monks’ plot and decides to tell Rose Maylie about his intentions, Monks becomes indirectly responsible for her death. She is brutally murdered by Bill Sikes after he learns of her betrayal. Monks’ hatred for Oliver and his manipulative tactics set off a chain of events that ultimately results in Nancy’s tragic fate. Evidence: Nancy’s confrontation with Rose Maylie and Mr. Brownlow (Chapter 40) exposes Monks' plot. Her loyalty to Oliver, despite her own ties to the gang, highlights the brutal consequences of Monks’ schemes.  Revelation and Downfall: Mr. Brownlow, who had once cared for Oliver, uncovers Monks' true identity and intentions. Brownlow confronts Monks, forcing him to admit his relationship to Oliver and his attempts to deprive him of his inheritance. This confrontation reveals Monks’ motives and the depth of his hatred. Ultimately, Monks agrees to share his father's wealth with Oliver, but his evil nature remains unchanged. Monks later wastes his portion of the inheritance and dies in prison, alone and disgraced. Evidence: In Chapter 51, Monks confesses under pressure from Mr. Brownlow, finally exposing the family secret. He reveals that he despised Oliver simply for existing as his father’s child with another woman.  Analysis of Monks’ Character Monks is a complex and thoroughly malicious character. His actions are driven by jealousy, greed, and a deep-seated hatred for his half-brother, Oliver. Here’s a breakdown of his character traits and motivations: 1. Consumed by Jealousy and Resentment: Monks’ primary motivation is jealousy of Oliver. He feels that his father favored Oliver’s mother, Agnes, over his own mother. When he learns that his father left part of his fortune to Oliver, Monks’ resentment turns into a deadly determination to destroy his half-brother. Monks cannot bear the thought of sharing his father’s inheritance with Oliver, whom he sees as illegitimate and unworthy. 2. Moral Corruption and Malice: Unlike other criminals in Oliver Twist who operate out of necessity or social marginalization, Monks is morally corrupt to the core. His evil is not a byproduct of poverty or desperation; rather, it stems from his own character. He feels no remorse for plotting against Oliver and is willing to use others to achieve his goals. Dickens uses Monks as an example of how greed and hatred can corrupt someone beyond redemption.  Symbol of Family Betrayal: Monks embodies the theme of betrayal within families. In an era when family bonds were often idealized, Dickens uses Monks to show that not all family members can be trusted. Monks’ desire to ruin his own half-brother for selfish gain reflects the darker side of familial relationships. He is a stark contrast to the kindness and selflessness of characters like Rose Maylie and Mr. Brownlow. Absence of Redemption: Throughout the novel, Monks shows no signs of remorse or moral growth. While other characters, such as Nancy, are given a chance to redeem themselves, Monks remains unrepentant. His ultimate fate—dying in prison after wasting his inheritance—demonstrates Dickens' message that a life filled with hatred and moral corruption ultimately leads to ruin. Foil to Oliver: Monks’ character serves as a foil to Oliver. While Oliver is innocent, kind, and morally upright, Monks is corrupt, malevolent, and deceitful. Dickens uses this contrast to highlight the goodness in Oliver, suggesting that one’s character is defined not by circumstances of birth but by choices and morality. Oliver’s survival and eventual happiness despite Monks’ schemes underscore the victory of virtue over vice.