Oliver Twist Exam Review
Exam Format:
 50 Questions (Please bring a pencil to class- Scantron)
 10 Matching- Character Identification
 10 True/False- Discussion Questions
 30 Multiple Choice- Discussion Questions
Discussion Questions:
• Discuss the circumstances surrounding Oliver Twist’s birth. Note the origin of his
name, and his early attributes.
His mother is brought to the workhouse after she is found lying in the street. No one knows who
she is or where she came from, and she is not wearing a wedding ring. She dies soon after
Oliver’s birth. Parish officials cannot find information about his mother or his father. Mr.
Bumble, the parish Beadle, names foundlings alphabetically and since Oliver is the “T” child”
he is named “Twist.” Oliver’s determination is obvious from his will to survive at birth. If
stereotyped as an orphan of the workhouse indicates his theoretical destiny: to be half starved,
beaten, and forced to work hard. Although he is small for his age, he has a strong spirit.
• Discuss on the cause/effect of Oliver's transgression.
Cause: Oliver in the boys who live and work with him are slowly starving to death, and they
choose Oliver as the one to ask for more food.
Effect: when he does so, he is seized, placed in confinement, an order to be apprenticed to anyone
who would take him. He is kept in solitary confinement for a week. Every other day, he is
carried into the dining hall and publicly beaten as a warning to the other boys.
• Discuss Oliver's initial treatment in the Sowerberry household.
When Oliver arrives, fearful and lonely, Mrs. Sowerberry is displeased because he is so small.
She pushed him down the cellar stairs and orders her maid, Charlotte, to feed him with scraps
saved for the dog. He must sleep among the coffins.
• Examine the cause/effect of Oliver’s retaliation against Noah.
Oliver attacks, Noah and not into the ground. Cause: Noah cries for help. Effect: Charlotte and
Mrs. Sowerberry come to Noah defense. They lock Oliver in the cellar. Cause: Mr. Sowerberry is
not at home to take care of Oliver. Effect: Mrs. Sowerberry sends Noah for Mr. Bumble. Cause:
Noah pretends to be severely injured and implies that Oliver intended to murder them all. Effect:
Bumble blames Oliver’s outburst on eating meat. Effect: Oliver is locked in the cellar to be
starved into submission.
Cause: Mr. Sowerberry returns home. Effect: he drags Oliver from the cellar Cause: Mrs.
Sowerberry cries hysterically. Effect: he runs away. The attack on Noah reveals a different
perspective of Oliver. Recently, he had ever complained it had always submitted. He now seems
more real, like any human who is pushed to the extreme. He defends his mother’s reputation
swiftly and passionately. Noah is a typical bully who becomes cowardly and lies to protect
himself.
 Analyze the characteristics of Fagin’s gang. Discuss their interaction with
Oliver.
Jack is about Oliver’s page and a short, strange looking, and dirty. He wears a man’s coat. He
is smug and confident that appears to flighty and dissolute Oliver. Fagin has a villainous-
looking, repulsive face and matted red hair. He is dressed in a greasy flannel gown. Jack
introduced Oliver as his friend, and Fagin bile is before him, welcomes him, and invites him to
eat with them. The boys are around him, taking his bundle in searching his pockets. Ironically,
Oliver feels more welcome and unafraid in the filthy, dilapidated home of a criminal that he has
ever felt in his previous “morally upright” homes. He and falls into a deep sleep.
 Analyze the significance of Oliver’s appearance in court. Note Oliver’s inability
to speak, and the symbolism of the magistrate’s name.
Dickens uses this scene to point out the main treatment of poor criminals in the English court
system of his day. Mr. Fang's name symbolizes the fangs or pointed daggers of the law that are
ready to attack and destroy any pauper brought into his court. Mr. Fang deals with Oliver
mercilessly and threatens anyone who attempts to speak at his behalf. Oliver, who is unable to
speak because of extreme exhaustion and fear, represents the voiceless poor people who had little
or no chance to be heard in court. The court officer gives Oliver a false name, Tom White, just as
other authority figures have falsely named him, e.g, Twist, chief, vagabond, yet Mr. Brownlow's
recognition of something in that boy's face for shadows of the discovery of Oliver's true identity.
 Contrast Oliver’s interlude in Mr. Brownlow’s home with his previous life and
analyze Oliver’s reaction.
In the orphanage and workhouse, Oliver was mistreated, starved, and forced to work long hours.
In the Brownlow home, but Oliver is surely cared for with love and compassion and has as much
food as he desires. Mrs. Mann spoke harshly, beat Oliver, and had no compassion when a child
died; Mrs. Bedwin’s love makes Oliver believe he feels the presence of his mother. The portrait
of a Lady in the Brownlow home foreshadows the discovery of Oliver's identity. Oliver is
intrigued by the portrait, and Mr. Brownlow notices a distinct resemblance to Oliver and the lady
in the portrait.
 Discuss the relation between Sikes and Fagin.
They are both thieves and share mutual Knowledge that , if revealed to the authorities, would
send one or both of them to the gallows. Fagin uses Kikes to promote his won interests and pays
him for his services, yet Fagin's interaction with Barney infers that he plans eventually to betray
Sikes. Fagin’s clenched fist, curses, and horrible grin after Sikes leaves the room indicate his
deep hatred for him.
 Discuss how Fagin and Sikes treat Oliver and how Oliver reacts. Analyze what
Nancy’s response to this reveals about her will.
Oliver begs them to keep him if they must but to send the money & books back to Brownlow so he
will know Oliver did not steal them. Fagin laughs because that is exactly what he wants Oliver to
become—a thief. When Oliver tries to run away, Nancy begs Sikes to keep the dog away from
him and ignores his threats to hurt her if she interferes. Nancy frantically tries stopping Fagin
when he begins to beat Oliver and threatens to kill some of them. She laughs at Sikes when he
begins to curse and threaten her. In response to Sikes’ taunts about her morals, she
acknowledges the truth of the accusations and reveals that she had stolen for Fagin since she
was a young child. Her reference to living on the streets infers that she now prostitutes herself in
in addition to stealing. Sikes seizes her by the wrist when she lunges at Fagin, and she faints.
Nancy’s allusion to Oliver’s future as a thief, a liar, and a devil reveal her sorrow for the child,
and her actions in his defense revealed her compassion. Although circumstances in her life have
forced her to become part of the criminal element, she has an inherent sense of right and wrong
and is basically good.

Discuss the attempted robbery. Note Sikes’ partners in the crime and Oliver’s
role.
Oliver meets with Toby Crackit and Barney, who have made preparations for the robbery. They
force Oliver to drink liquor, before he is taken to the scene of the crime. When Oliver realizes
they will force him to participate in the robbery, he begs them to let him go. Only Crackit’s
interference prevent Sikes from shooting Oliver. The two men remove the shutter, and Spkes
commands Oliver to enter and unlock the door for them. Oliver resolves to alert the family even
if it means his death, but someone inside the house shoots him before you can do so. Crack and
Sikes flee with the badly injured boy.
• Discuss the attributes of the following characters and examine the reaction to
Oliver: Giles, Brittles, Rose, Mrs. Maylie, and Mr. Losberne.
Giles, Mrs. Maylie’s butler, is proud of his position and enjoys being in the limelight. He
believed Oliver is one of the thieves and basks in the glory of having shot a robber. Mrs.
Maylie’s handyman, is quiet and modest. The others referred to him as slow. He supports the
Giles account of the crime. Rose, Mrs. Maylie’s companion, is a lovely, compassionate, and
intelligent young woman. When she sees Oliver lie in bed, she weeps for him and does not
believe he can rob anyone unless someone has forced him to do so. Mrs. Maylie, the elderly
nature of the house, is kind and loving. She initially believes Oliver is the thief but changes her
mind. When she sees him. She and Rose both want to save. Mr. Losberne, the local doctor, is
impetuous, but kind and efficient. He believes Oliver is the thief but wants to save him from jail
because of his age and physical condition
• Examine the circumstances surrounding Rose’s illness. Note the significance of
Oliver’s chance encounter when he goes to mail a letter to Losbene.
Rose’s illness is somewhat life-threatening. Mrs. Maylie is deeply distressed and apprehensive of
losing Rose. Oliver tries to encourage Mrs. Maylie by reminding her of Rose’s goodness and
youth. Mrs. Maylie writes two letters, one to Harry Maylie that is not mailed [foreshadowing his
importance to the plot] and the other to Losberne requesting his help. When Oliver is on his way
to mail the letter to Losberne, he stumbles against the tall man wrapped in a cloak. The man,
who is actually Monks, curses and threatens Oliver, but falls into a fit before he can grab him.
• Discuss the outcome of Rose’s illness and analyze the universality of Oliver’s
reaction.
Rose becomes delirious and appears to be actually getting worse. Oliver prays for her and feels
intuitively that she will live. Rose falls into a deep sleep, and when she awakens, Losberne
announces that she will live. Universality: Oliver is excited her health improves, but he is
desperately anxious to do something to relieve Rose’s pain. He thinks of all her kindness to him,
and longs for the chance to show her how grateful he is. He is afraid he did not do enough for
her and may never get a chance to do more. Dickens inserts a word of caution to readers to be
careful how they deal with those around them and not to omit the important things in a
relationship.
• Discuss the circumstances leading to Nancy’s discovery of the plot between Monks
and Fagin, and her reaction to the information.
Fagin agrees to give Sikes money after he threatens to reveal secrets about him that will cause
Fagin to hang. Nancy goes to Fagin’s apartment to get the money. Monks appears and tells
Fagin that he has seen him and has good news. He and Fagin leave to discuss their business,
and Nancy eavesdrops on their conversation. When she leaves Fagin’s she starts in the opposite
direction from Sikes room but burst into tears and turns back. That evening, she puts laudanum
in Sikes drink, and when he falls into a deep sleep, she hurries to a hotel where Rose staying and
begs to speak to her.
• Analyze the content and importance of Nancy’s dialogue with Rose.
Nancy confesses her role in kidnapping Oliver and reveals that Monks paid Fagin to abduct the
child and will pay him more when he makes Oliver into a thief. She relates the information she
gained when eavesdropping. Monks is Oliver’s brother, and he has destroyed the evidence that
would prove this; therefore, Monks will now inherit all of their father’s money. Monks hates
Oliver and would kill him if he could do so on undetected. Nancy leaves after telling Rose that if
she needs more information, she confined her [Nancy] walking on London Bridge each Sunday
night
• Discuss the reappearance of Noah Claypole and Charlotte. Note nations of why he
left and Noah’s treatment of Charlotte.
After robbing Sowerberry, the two are running away to London. The relationship between Noah
and Charlotte is similar to that between Sikes and Nancy; both women are subservient to harsh,
demanding men. She carries their belongings, and he allows her to carry money because if they
are caught, he can declare his innocence and have a better chance to escape punishment.
Charlotte loves Noah and cater to his demands. Fagin, who observes Noah’s control over
Charlotte and eavesdrops on their conversation about the stolen money, lures them into his gang.
Fagin’s obvious lack of respect for women and his manipulation of Noah reflect how he controls
both make and female members of his gang. When Noah places himself under Fagin’s control, he
will do as he is told and Charlotte will become like Nancy—sent out to work the streets as a thief
and a prostitute.
• Analyze Fagin’s tactics for luring Noah into his gang and what Noah’s response
reveals about him. Correlate with the way young people today can be drawn into
gangs.
Fagin first gives Noah liquor. He then alludes to Noah his conversation with Charlotte about
their robbing Sowerberry but assures him their safe at the Three Cripples as long as Fagin makes
them safe. Fagin discusses his friend, who might have work for Noah that will supply enough for
him to live an easy life with very little work and risk. Noah agrees to Fagin suggestion that he
rob children. After Noah, now known as Morris Bolter, moves to Fagin’s house, Fagin becomes
more insolent and informs Noah that only he, Fagin, can be the authority. When Noah objects,
again threatens to reveal the robbery and send Noah to the gallows. He then explains to know
the necessity of only one leader and of mutual dependency. Noah concedes to Fagin because he
respects his genius and fears his wrath. Thanks they use similar tactics: promises of a place to
belong, easy money, threats, and fear.
• Examine the cause and effect of Fagin’s attempts to discover the source of Nancy’s
distress.
Cause: Fagin is at Sikes’ place the night of Nancy’s first scheduled appointment with Rose.
Effect: He observes Nancy’s agitation when Sikes refuses to allow her to leave the apartment.
Cause: He believes Nancy has another lover. Effect: He wants to lure Nancy into killing Sikes,
whom he fears and hates, and enticing her lover to join his gang. Cause: Fagin wants to
something with which to blackmail Nancy into conspiring against Sikes. Effect: He hires Noah
to spy on her. Cause : Noah follows Nancy when she goes to her rendezvous with Rose. Effect:
He overhears Nancy ‘s refusal to betray Fagin, her confession about giving laudanum to Bill,
her description of Monks, and the time Monks usually arrives at the public place he often visits.
Cause: Noah relates the information to Fagin. Cause: Noah and Fagin reveal Nancy’s disloyalty
to Sikes, including the part about the laudanum, but do not tell him about Nancy’s refusal to
betray him or any member of the gang. Cause: Sikes becomes enraged. Effect: He returns to
their apartment and beats Nancy to death.
• Examine Brownlow’s reaction to Monk’s description. What do you think this
foreshadows?
As Nancy is describing him, Brownlow jumps and then completes her statement about a mark on
his throat. Brownlow thinks he knows him, but says he could be mistaken.
•
Examine the details of Sikes’ actions before and after he murders Nancy. How
can the effects of guilt on him be seen?
Sikes is unsure as to what do immediately, yet he finally decides to leave London. When Sikes is
fleeing, he comes across a fire this consuming a barn in some stables. At first, the flames are like
new life to him, symbolizing the cleansing, purging effect of fire. He works tirelessly throughout
the night to fight the fire, which is extinguished by morning, and escapes unscathed. With the
dawn of a new day; however, the dreadful conscience of his crimes returns with a vengeance, and
visions of the fire symbolized the fires of hell he is sure will be his fate.
• Discuss the fate of Fagin and his gang.
Crackit and Chitling are hiding I Jacob’s Island. Fagin and Bolter [Noah] have been arrested,
and Noah plans to testify against Fagin, who will hang in six days. Bet becomes insane after
seeing Nancy’s body. Crackit and Chitling are repelled and horrified by the murder, but
reluctantly let Sikes seek refuge with them.
• Examine circumstances that lead to Sikes death.
Bates arrives at the hiding place, called Sikes a monster, and yells out murder! He attacks Sikes,
but the murderer is too strong for him. Bates calls for help when he sees lights, and hears the
voices of a crowd. Sikes throws Bates into a room and locks in the room. The crowd storms
Sikes’ place of refuge. Sikes grabs the rope, and intends to lower himself to the river bed. But he
loses his balance and hangs himself. Just before Sikes falls, he sees “the eyes” symbolizing
divine retribution for Nancy’s death. Bull’s-eye reflects Sikes animal-like brutality and
symbolizes his guilt. Sikes cannot escape the memory of Bulls-eyes bloody footprints on the
murder scene. He cannot get rid of the dog even when he tries to drown him. The dog attempts
to leap to the dead Sikes’ shoulder and dies in a similar manner.
• Analyze the significance of the revelations about the letter and the will. Note the
effect on the Bumble’s of Monks’ confession.
Edwin Leeford creates a will and wrote a letter to Agnes, addressed to Brownlow, who was to
mail the letter only if Leeford died. After his death, Monks’ mother was given both documents.
She burned the will but kept the letter to prove the illegitimacy of Agnes’ child. In the letter,
Leeford, accepts the entire blame for Agnes’ out-of-wedlock pregnancy and assures her of his
love and his intent to marry her. He reminds her of the locket and wedding ring, through well
revealed details of Leeford’s miserable marriage to Monk’s mother, and of their child’s
rebellious nature. He left Monks, and his mother each generous annual annuity and divided the
bulk of his property equally between Agnes and their unborn child. If the child were a girl, the
inheritance was unconditional, but if it were a boy, the inheritance was contingent on the
character remaining unstained by any public act of dishonor (which explains why Monks wanted
Oliver to live a life of crime).
•
Examine circumstances surrounding Rose’s identity in the effect on her relationship
with Harry.
Monks reveals that Rose is Agnes Fleming’s younger sister. Their father leaves the country out
of shame after Agnes’ actions were revealed and soon dies, leaving no clue to his identity. Rose
was taken in by some poor people who die soon after. Monk’s mother found the child and told
her foster parents of the sister’s shame, and that Rose was illegitimate. Rose’s existence was
miserable until Mrs. Maylie took her into her home. Rose was overwhelmed and clings to Mrs.
Maylie, who reminds her of Harry’s love for her. In response to Harry’s second proposal of
marriage, Rose refuses because her father’s disgrace will affect his little future. Harry has
circumvented the problem by leaving politics and becoming a clergyman.
•
Discuss Fagin’s trial and analyze his reaction to his impending death. Note his
interaction with Oliver.
The courtroom is packed with people who stare at Fagin, and not one face shows any sympathy
for the criminal. Fagin’s mind wanders to mundane matters while he awaits the jury’s decision,
but he is never free from oppressive thoughts of death. His only response when he hears the
guilty verdict in his death sentence is that he is an old man. As he waits for death, he is haunted
by memories of those whose hangings he observed, some of them because of his testimony. He
feels as if he is sitting in vault strewn with dead bodies, and begs for life. The striking of the
clock sounds like death. He rants and raves, tears his hair, and curses those who come to pray
with him. On the last night, he is consumed with guilt and grown so terrible from his inward
torture that the two guards hovered together to keep watch. Brownlow brings Oliver to ask about
the paper’s Monks left with him, and although Fagin has been hallucinating about destroying the
child, he tells him where they are. Oliver prays for Fagin, who is now incoherent. The jailers
lead Fagin to his death, he struggles and screams.