Oliver Twist, Chapter 23 summary

What happens

1. On a freezing night, Mrs. Corney enjoys her warm room and tea, then welcomes Mr. Bumble with wine for the infirmary.
2. Bumble describes parish relief designed to discourage requests, and Mrs. Corney approves his harsh accounts of needy people.
3. Mrs. Corney invites Bumble to tea, and their conversation turns into flirtation as he moves his chair beside hers.
4. Bumble kisses Mrs. Corney and embraces her, but a knock interrupts them.
5. An old pauper reports that dying Old Sally insists on telling Mrs. Corney something, so the matron reluctantly follows her.
6. Alone, Bumble counts and examines the silver, dances around the table, and appears to assess the furniture.

What to notice

Bumble treats discouraging requests as the purpose of relief. Mrs. Corney’s approval connects their shared cruelty with their growing intimacy.

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