Oliver Twist, Chapter 3 summary
Chapter 3 of 53 · 12 min to read the chapter
In Chapter 3, Oliver Twist remains confined while the workhouse board arranges to apprentice him to Mr. Gamfield, a violent chimney sweep, for a reduced payment. At the magistrates’ office, Oliver’s visible terror interrupts the approval, and his desperate plea leads the magistrates to reject the agreement and order his return to the workhouse.
What happens
- Oliver spends a week confined alone, with daily beatings and public punishment presented as care and religious instruction.
- Mr. Gamfield sees the apprenticeship notice and offers to take Oliver while seeking money to cover his unpaid rent.
- Despite discussing the dangers of chimney sweeping, the board agrees to pay Gamfield three pounds ten to take Oliver.
- Mr. Bumble feeds Oliver, threatens him, and instructs him to tell the magistrates that he wants the apprenticeship.
- A magistrate notices Oliver’s terror before signing, and Oliver begs not to be sent away with Gamfield.
- The magistrates reject the agreement, and the next morning Oliver is advertised again with a payment of five pounds.
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In this chapter
What to notice
The magistrate’s refusal stops Oliver from being handed to Gamfield. It follows the boy’s appeal rather than Bumble’s claims about his wishes.
Quick check
What makes the magistrate pause before signing Oliver’s apprenticeship papers?
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