Oliver Twist: Chapters 8-13 Summary
Chapter 8: A Fateful Encounter
Oliver’s arduous seventy-mile journey to London leaves him weakened by hunger, cold, and fatigue. Upon reaching a town near London, he collapses in a doorway. There, he meets Jack Dawkins, a boy his age known as “the Artful Dodger.” Despite sensing the Dodger’s questionable morals, Oliver accepts his offer of food and lodging with a “gentleman” in London.
Chapter 9: Fagin’s Den
Oliver observes Fagin with a box of jewelry and watches. Fagin’s initial suspicion quickly dissipates. The Artful Dodger returns with Charley Bates, both presenting their stolen goods—pocketbooks and handkerchiefs. Unaware of their true nature, Oliver believes their talk of teaching him to make these items is genuine.
Chapter 10: The First Theft
Fagin trains Oliver in the art of picking pockets. Oliver witnesses Fagin’s punishments for failure. He is then sent out with the Dodger and Charley. Oliver watches in horror as they steal a handkerchief from a gentleman. The gentleman spots Oliver fleeing and raises the alarm. A crowd pursues Oliver, and he is apprehended by a police officer, despite his innocence.
Chapter 11: False Accusation
Oliver is jailed awaiting his appearance before Mr. Fang, the magistrate. Mr. Brownlow, the victim, expresses reluctance to press charges, sensing something familiar in Oliver’s face. Oliver faints in court. Just as he is sentenced to hard labor, the bookstall owner intervenes, revealing the true culprits. Mr. Brownlow, moved by Oliver’s plight, takes him home.
Chapter 12: A Resemblance
Oliver recovers from a fever under the care of Mrs. Bedwin, Mr. Brownlow’s housekeeper. A portrait of a young woman in Brownlow’s house deeply affects Oliver. Brownlow notes a striking resemblance between Oliver and the woman in the portrait, causing Oliver to faint.
Chapter 13: The Search Begins
Fagin is furious at the Dodger and Charley for losing Oliver. Bill Sikes, a brutal house robber, is accidentally struck by Fagin’s rage. Fearing Oliver might expose them, they send Nancy to the police station. Nancy poses as Oliver’s sister and learns of his whereabouts. Fagin relocates his operation and secures his valuables before sending Nancy, Charley, and Jack to retrieve Oliver.