Oliver Twist, Chapter 4 summary
Chapter 4 of 53 · 10 min to read the chapter
In Chapter 4, Oliver Twist escapes the board’s plan to send him to sea when Mr. Sowerberry agrees to take him as a houseboy on trial. Oliver leaves the workhouse in tears, receives scraps intended for a dog, and follows Mrs. Sowerberry toward a bed among coffins.
What happens
- The board plans to send Oliver Twist to sea, and Mr. Bumble searches for a captain who needs a boy.
- Mr. Sowerberry discusses funeral profits with Mr. Bumble and offers to take Oliver himself.
- The board approves a trial placement and threatens Oliver with sea service if he complains or returns.
- On the walk, Oliver cries and tells Mr. Bumble how lonely he feels.
- Mrs. Sowerberry complains about Oliver’s size and the expense of feeding him, then pushes him downstairs.
- Oliver eagerly eats scraps intended for Trip, and Mrs. Sowerberry assigns him a bed beneath the shop counter.
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In this chapter
What to notice
Oliver names the distress hidden behind his earlier silence. His appeal challenges Mr. Bumble’s accusation that his tears show ingratitude.
Quick check
Where does Mrs. Sowerberry tell Oliver to sleep?
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