Oliver Twist key quotes

"The old story, he said, shaking his head: 'no wedding ring"

Chapter 1- the doctor discriminating Oliver's mum, leading to Oliver to instantly being perceived as lower class

"Oliver was a victim of a systematic course of treachery and deception"

Chapter 2- Dickens' commentary on the fact that the orphans are treated so awfully and are instantly put into a life of misery simply because they have no parents- unjust system

"She knew what was good for children: and she had a very accurate perception of what was good for herself"

Chapter 2- first commentary on Mrs Mann. Sarcasm used to highlight her selfish qualities

"She appropriated the greater part of the weekly stipend to her own use"

Chapter 2- Taking the money that is meant to go towards feeding the orphans- crime against the parish and immoral to starve the children

"Susan, take Oliver and them two brats upstairs and wash 'em directly"

Chapter 2- Mrs Mann spots that Mr Bumble is coming for a visit, the parish beadle. She covers up her tracks of the poor treatment she is inflicting upon the orphans

"Mr Bumble had a great idea of his oratorical powers and his importance"

Chapter 2- Mr Bumble thinks he holds so much power and is very self indulged.

"Bow to the board, said Bumble"

Chapter 2- Mr Bumble is clearly thinks the parish board are entitled and should be respected for taking in orphans. They desire praise for their work which in actual fact doesn't provide any sort of acceptable lifestyle for the orphans

"The boy is a fool- I thought he was' said the gentleman in the white waistcoat"

Chapter 2- He defines what Oliver looks like but not what he is. Instantly labelling him due to the class divide.

"Pray for the people who feed you, and take care of you- like a Christian"

Chapter 2- Dickens was criticising people who use christianity as a label. The parish council were clearly not good Christians as they treated the boys so unethically

"They let the paupers go to sleep!"

Chapter 2- clear sarcasm and criticism from Dickens. How fortunate the paupers were to be able to rest!

"Starved by a gradual process in the house, or by a quick one out of it"

Chapter 2- Once again this is criticism of the poor laws and how unethical they truly were. Provided the poor with no opportunities of a better life or to escape poverty- highlights the clear class divide of the time

"He was afraid he might some night happen to eat the boy who slept next time"

Chapter 2- Highlights the poor treatment inflicted upon the orphans- so hungry they're being driven mad. Being forced to fit the stigma of poor people

"Please sir, I want some more"

Chapter 2- key quote by Oliver- first time that anyone would stand up to the board. Would have been quite humiliating for the parish and surprising

"‘That boy will be hung' said the gentleman in the white waistcoat"

Chapter 2- Predicting Oliver will live a criminal or immoral future simply for this one wrongdoing of asking for more. Setting him up for failure

"In other words, five pounds and Oliver Twist were offered to any man or woman who wanted an apprentice to any trade"

Chapter 2- selling the poor boy as he is clearly not suitable for the workhouse lifestyle.

"Socially flogged as a public warning and example"

Chapter 3- Oliver was whipped in public for his awful crime of asking for more- further criticism of the mistreatment of paupers

"My Gamfield growled a fierce imprecation on the donkey generally"

Chapter 3- introduction to the apprentice hoping to apprentice Oliver. His character is established as unkind and cruel

"Under the slight imputation of having bruised three or four boys to death already"

Chapter 3- The parish board are deciding whether to sell Oliver to this brutal and abusive gentleman- under exaggeration of how awful the beatings are therefore an ironic point

"We think you ought to take something less than the premium we offered"

Chapter 3- Capitalism is more important than morality- also completely degrading Oliver

"The bargain was made"

Chapter 3- Oliver has been sold to a murderer

"You're a rough speaker, my friend, but you look an honest, open-hearted man"

Chapter 3- Dickens is criticising the legal system as they're failing to recognise the bad intentions of the master

"Oliver fell on his knees, and clasping his hands together, prayed that they would order him back to the dark room"

Chapter 3- air of desperation from Oliver- pleading with the judge to not let Mr Gamfield take him on as a chimney sweep apprentice

"Twist was again To Let, and that five pounds would be paid to anybody who would take possession of him"

Chapter 3- Oliver is completely objectified. Sense of him being unwanted by all and neglected- sympathetic reader

"Mr Sowerberry was closeted with the board for five minutes, and it was arranged that Oliver should go to him that evening"

Chapter 4- Oliver has finally been sold

"The simple fact was, that Oliver, instead of possessing too little feeling, possessed rather too much; and was in a fair way of being reduced, for life, to a state of brutal stupidity and sullenness by the ill-usage he had received"

“a new scene of suffering”

Chapter 4- inevitability of suffering at the time- there was no escaping being poor

"I see no saving in parish children, not I; for they always cost more to keep than they're worth"

Chapter 4- These poor children are completely dismissed by society- viewed as outcasts. Mrs Sowerberry views Oliver as inferior.

"Oliver Twist clutching at the dainty viands that the dog had neglected"

Chapter 4- highlights the malnutrition Oliver has experienced. Degrading and dehumanising to feed him the dogs leftovers.

"He wished, as he crept into his narrow bed, that that were his coffin"

Chapter 5- connotations with his new work as funeral boy- hates his life and wishes to be dead but at peace

"My Claypole administered a kick to Oliver"

Chapter 5- Introduction to another violent character- Oliver can't seem to escape the abuse and trauma

"As he sat shivering on the box in the coldest corner of the room"

Chapter 5- Sympathy generated from the reader

"Impartially the same amiable qualities are developed in the finest lord and the dirtiest charity-boy"

Chapter 5- Dickens commentary on the fact that the same immorality is produced by both classes. Actions aren't a matter of a class but a persons moral compass.

"As Mrs Sowerberry said this, she gave a hysterical laugh, which threatened violent consequences"

Chapter 5- subverting the typical stereotype as the wife is controlling the husband through violence. Suggests that Mr Sowerberry is not a bad man.

"Shaking from head to foot at the mere recollection of the sound of Mr Bumble's voice"

Chapter 5- Oliver is traumatised and terrified by his experience in the workhouse- views the parish as a danger.

"The kennel was stagnant and filthy. The very rats which here and there lay putrefying in its rottenness, were hideous with famine"

Chapter 5- example of how the poor laws allow the poor to be treated. Dreadful living conditions which are inhumane

"Oliver shuddered as he cast his eyes towards the place"

Chapter 5- the desolate conditions of this house are scarring Oliver- he is too young to see this. Feeble and victimised

"The crazy old woman was too much occupied in bewailing the loss of her cloak (which the undertaker had taken off)"

Chapter 5- disturbing image as the woman is more upset about the loss of clothing to keep her warm then the death of her daughter. Treating cloak more like a loss/grief. Air of desperation

"Mrs Sowerberry was his decided enemy because Mr Sowerberry was disposed to be his friend"

Chapter 6- Oliver has to experience torture and abuse within his home due to Mr Sowerberry taking a liking to him. This would have been unacceptable for a master to befriend a parish boy.

"Oliver was not altogether as comfortable as the hungry pig was, when he was shut up by mistake, in the grain department of a brewery"

Chapter 6- simile to present the awful living conditions Oliver has to endure- sympathy from reader

"Dont' you say anything about her to me!"

Chapter 6- Noah has finally touched a nerve in Oliver by bringing up his mother- aggravated and affected him as he has an emotional bond with his mother despite never getting to meet her.

Seized Noah by the throat; shook him in the violence of his rage"

Chapter 6- Oliver has lost control as his anger got the better of him. He is finally standing up for himself against Noah the bully.

Fire imagery accentuates Oliver’s rage and his spirit being “roused at last” suggests a spiritual awakening and deep desire to live for morality.

"Oh you little un-grate-ful, mur-de-rous, hor-rid vil-lian !"

Chapter 6- completely one sided as Charlotte is protecting Noah. She is unaware of how provocative Noah was in the first time and fails to provide Oliver with an opportunity to explain himself

"No; he's out, or he would have murdered him"

Chapter 7- Noah is putting words in Oliver's mouth and doing everything in his power to get him into trouble- everyone seems to be against this poor boy

"You've overfed him ma'am. You've raised an artificial soul and spirit"

Chapter 7- ironic as Oliver has been eating the dogs leftovers and suffering. This reaction has been generated due to the constant abuse and suffering imposed on him

"She deserved what he said, and worse"

Chapter 7- highlighting Mrs Sowerberry's cruel nature- bullying an innocent young boy

"One moment's pause of hestitation- he had closed it behind him, and was in the open street"

Chapter 7- Oliver is running away- he can't take dreadful treatment anymore. He is breaking the poor laws- treatment he's had to tolerate is forcing him into a life of crime

"They had been beaten, starved, and shut up together, many and many a time"

Chapter 7- Oliver can relate to his friend, Dick. Both experienced trauma and suffering. Crime against the children to cause so much physical and mental abuse- unethical poor law system

"I heard the doctor tell them I was dying"

Chapter 7- generates sympathy from the reader as little Dick is dying as a result of his living conditions at Mrs Mann's accommodation

"I dream so much of Heaven, and Angels, and kind faces that I never see when I am awake"

Chapter 7- Highlights how kind and pure little Dick is as he will be sent to heaven- a victim of the poor laws

"It was the very place for a homeless boy, who must die in the streets unless some one helped him"

Chapter 8- Opening description of London- implies that a desperate boy such as Oliver can not survive in the big city unless he turns to a life of crime- survival method

"Warning all persons who begged within the district that they would be sent to jail. This frightened Oliver"

Chapter 8- Highlights the fact that the poor had no way to escape a life of poverty unless turning to the workhouse or a life of crime. No help provided for Oliver despite him running away from an abusive home. No justice for the poor

"Gave him what little she could afford- and more- with such kind and gentle words"

Chapter 8- Glimpse of kindness from society- perhaps Dickens highlighting the fact that more people need to carry morals such as these

"Observing that a boy, who had passed him carelessly some minutes before, had returned, and was now surveying him most earnestly"

Chapter 8- introduction to Jack Dawkins also known as the Artful Dodger- almost grooming Oliver and choosing his next desperate victim to convert to a life of crime.

“one of the queerest-looking boys”

“as dirty a juvenile as one would wish to see”

"He had about him all the airs and manners of a man"

Chapter 8- The Artful Dodger is simply a boy but carries the traits of a man- a harsh life of crime has forced him to grow up.

"I am very hungry and tired"

Chapter 8- Dickens highlighting that the system has turned the poor into criminals- the ill treatment towards Oliver has forced him to accept help from criminals

"Oliver, falling to, at his new friend's bidding"

Chapter 8- Clarity that Oliver has been pulled into the criminal world- survival tactic therefore quite tragic

"A dirtier or more wretched place he had never seen"

Chapter 8- setting reflects the crime genre- populated with the poor- squalid, dirty and desolate

"A very old shrivelled Jew, whose villainess- looking and repulsive face"

Chapter 8- climax of description- introduction to a villain within the novel- character description of being a Jew fits in with the stereotype of criminals at the time- anti-semitic

"He might not have the trouble of emptying them himself when he went to bed"

Chapter 8- Shows Oliver's naivety- the boys nature to steal anything they can

"Oliver ate his share, and the Jew then mixed him a glass of hot gin and water"

Chapter 8- Sympathy generated as this is the closest Oliver has gotten to a family dynamic or someone taking care of him. Message implied that if society won't look after the poor, criminals will

"His eyes glistened as he raised the lid and looked in"

Chapter 9 - The only thing that interests Fagin is his wealth- will go to any level of exploitation to fulfil his desires

"Clever dogs! Clever dogs!"

Chapter 9- dehumanising the boys- treats them like his slaves/ workers- Fagin personally doesn't involve himself with the criminal activity- master criminal

"Rings, brooches, braceletes, and other articles of jewellery, of such magnificent materials and costly workmanship, that Oliver had no idea even of their names"

Chapter 9- Highlights how immoral Fagin is- takes such precious personal belongings and feels self gratification rather than remorse

“What a fine thing capital punishment is! Dead men never repent; dead men never bring awkward stories to light. Ah, it's a fine thing for the trade! Five of 'em strung up in a row, and none left to play booty, or turn white-livered!'”

Chapter 9- Commentary on the fact Fagin's secrets will never be revealed due to the death penalty- all the criminal gang secrets are kept through the method of punishment. Fagin’s soliloquy also emphasises how he exploits poor children to obtain wealth whilst remaining unbothered if they are “hung”.

"He closed the lid of the box with a loud crash: and laying his hand on a bread-knife which was on the table, started up furiously"

Chapter 9- Change of tune and personality from Fagin- went from a welcoming character to aggressive and rash. This is due to him protecting what is truly important to him

"You're a brave boy. Ha! ha! you're a brave boy, Oliver!"

Chapter 9- Fagin has revealed his devilish and nasty character. He is trying to cover himself through showing Oliver appreciation and care which is the only thing he desires. Fagin is a calculated criminal mastermind.

"We'll teach Oliver how to do it. Shall us, Oliver, eh? Ha! ha! ha!"

Chapter 9- Oliver is innocent and will view this as the boys being welcoming and offering him a family dynamic. Doesn't realise their true intentions to turn him into a criminal.

"He'll be a great man himself, and will make you one too if you take pattern by him"

Chapter 9- Reward for criminal activity. The Artful Dodger is viewed as the top criminal out of the children Fagan exploits. Oliver is constantly seeking validation so aspires to be like him in order to receive praise

"I never saw a sharper lad. Here's a shilling for you"

Chapter 9- Rewards for this activity will make Oliver more inclined to go ahead with it.

"These things looked so bad, that Oliver was on the point of declaring his intention of seeking his way back"

Chapter 10- Shows Oliver's moral compass and how he wishes to not be involved in a life of crime. However, it is a survival method and the only way he can survive.

"Do you see that old cove at the book stall?"

Chapter 10- The Dodger uses a vernacular that fits in with the criminal underworld. Their victim has been chosen for their daily petty theft.

"A very respectable looking personage, with a powdered head and gold spectacles. He was dressed in a bottle-green coat with a black velvet collar"

Chapter 10- Old fashioned and higher class representation of Mr Brownlow. Green connotes royalty which highlights the wealth and background he comes from.

"What was Oliver's horror and alarm as he stood a few paces off"

Chapter 10- Oliver is completely shocked by the criminal activity- highlights his innocence

"To see the Dodger plunge his hand into the old gentleman's pocket, and draw from thence a handkerchief"

Chapter 10- The first true crime of the novel

"Stop thief! Stop thief!... The tradesman leaves his counter and the carman his wagon"

Chapter 10- structure of the novel moves from action where the narrative is moving to description which puts it at a standstill. This increases the tension and heightens the intensity of the crime.

"One wretched breathless child, panting with exhaustion, terror in his looks, agony in his eyes"

Chapter 10- Oliver described through the use of anticlimactic terms. Sense that he was being hunted down.

"A police officer (who is generally the last person to arrive in such cases)

Chapter 10- At the time, the police force was newly introduced and new laws- Dickens castigating the system

"Don't hurt him' said the old gentleman, compassionately"

Chapter 10- first sign of the compassion and kindness of Mr Brownlow. Seems to carry a moral compass and can recognise that poor Oliver is an innocent orphan.

"But I am not sure that this boy actually took the handkerchief. I- I would rather not press the case"

Chapter 11- Mr Brownlow can perhaps see the good in Oliver and wishes for him not to face consequences for a crime where he is innocent

"In dungeons, compared with which those in Newgate occupied by the most atrocious felons, tried, found guilty and under sentence of death, are palaces."

Chapter 11- Dickens is comparing the Newgate cells to the cell Oliver has been confined to till his hearing. As a modern reader, we feel sympathy for Oliver as he is far too young and innocent to experience this. As Dickens visited the Newgate prison himself, he expressed how barbaric and horrific it truly was.

"Where have I seen something like that before?"

Chapter 11- Can see the similarity in Oliver to his mother and father- the first sign of the connection. Perhaps this is why Mr Brownlow took pity and compassion on the boy

"How dare you bully a magistrate?"

Chapter 11- shows Mr Fang believes himself to be entitled, highlights the class system that was very present at the time

"Hold your tongue, sir!"

Chapter 11- Mr Brownlow is seeking justice for Oliver- the moral and humane thing to do. However, Mr Fang isn't allowing this, he's not providing a fair trial which shows the corruption and injustice in the judicial system in the 19th century

"Where he can your worship,' replied the officer again pretending to receive Oliver's answer"

Chapter 11- Finally someone in the judicial system who has a moral compass- protecting Oliver and can recognise he's vulnerable

"Let him lie there; he'll soon be tired of that"

Chapter 11- The Magistrate has a complete disregard for humanity. Oliver is very sick and he believes he is pretending to get let off. Treated this way simply because he is a lower class orphan

"He stands committed for three months- hard labour, of course"

Chapter 11- Oliver receives a maximum sentence that can be imposed against him with no trial- no defence, no justice

"Here he was tended with a kindness and solicitude that he knew no bounds"

Chapter 12- Sympathy generated from reader- he has never experienced a loving and nurturing household, a privilege

"Smoothing back his hair from his forehead, looked so kindly and lovingly in his face"

Chapter 12- The first maternal figure Oliver has had, nurturing, looking after

"But the eyes look so sorrowful and where I sit they seem fixed upon me. It makes my heart beat"

Chapter 12- first time the family connection between Mr Brownlow and Oliver is implied

Mr Brownlow's heart, being large enough for any six ordinary old gentlemen"

Chapter 12- Oliver has been taken in by good people who have a kind nature

"The man who growled out these words was a stoutly-built fellow of about five-and-thirty, in a black velveteen coat"

Chapter 13- introduction the the novels villain Sikes. Reader gets a glimpse of his devilish and horrific character through the description

"A white shaggy dog, with his face scratched and torn in twenty different places, skulked into the room"

Chapter 13- introduction to Sikes' dog Bulls Eye. He represents his owner and represents the crime and violent activity they participate in

"Said the trembling Jew"

Chapter 13- sign that Fagin is afraid of Sikes- implies how violent and aggressive he is as he terrifies people of his own kind

"She's an honour to her sex"

Chapter 13- Sikes believes that woman are only fit for prostitution. Implies that he thinks lowly of Nancy

"Or in other words, for begging in the streets, and doing nothing for his livelihood"

Chapter 13- Nancy has been sent to retrieve Oliver at the prison. Commentary on the type of people who get arrested. Injustice in the system, receive punishment for simply being poor

'Whatever was the cause, the effect was a kick and a curse bestowed on the dog simultaneously"

Chapter 15- Sikes uses force against his dog, highlights his violent and aggressive nature. Inhumane that he uses force against something that should be so innocent. Sikes has influenced and encouraged his dog to carry the same qualities as him

"Mr Sikes being disappointed of the dog's participation, at once transferred his share in the quarrel to the new-corner"

Chapter 15- The reader gets the impression that Sikes is constantly seeking a fight. Shows his villainy that he receives pleasure from inflicting pain

"Another Jew- younger than Fagin, but nearly as vile and repulsive in appearance"

Chapter 15- Implies that Dickens carried anti-semitic views. In the 19th century, Jews were typically associated with the criminal underworld and the lower class

"Jew's red eyebrows, and a half-closing of his deeply-set eyes, warned Miss Nancy that she was disposed to be too communicative"

Chapter 15- Fagin quickly stops Nancy from saying anything else about Oliver's whereabouts and how he's been looked after. He is aware that Sikes would happily murder the boy and he needs him in order to receive his share of the inheritance from Monks

"Let go of me. Who is it? What are you stopping me for?"

Chapter 15- Oliver is being dragged back into a life of crime against his own will. He's being stolen and it is completely out of his control

"The young woman who had embraced him, and who had a little basket and a street-door key in her hand"

Chapter 15- Nancy has been dressed in order to be perceived as upper class. This is a tactical and calculated plan as this will allow the public to not suspect that anything is wrong