Oliver Twist book club questions

The reading plan

Meeting 1: Chapters 1 to 19

1. How far does the insult to his mother justify Oliver Twist's violence against Noah Claypole?
2. What makes Mr. Brownlow's care for Oliver seem reasonable or risky?
3. How should Nancy's defense of Oliver affect our judgment of her part in his capture?
4. Why might Mr. Fagin turn from threats and isolation to constant company when trying to make Oliver steal?

Meeting 2: Chapters 20 to 37

5. How should responsibility be judged when Oliver is forced through the window during the burglary?
6. What does Mr. Bumble's treatment of the servants suggest about how he understands authority?
7. How does Oliver's return to the burglary scene question expectations about where he might find safety?
8. When, if ever, is a false account justified to protect someone from suspicion?
9. What balance of affection, learning, and useful work seems most important to Oliver's new peace?

Meeting 3: Chapters 38 to 53

10. How should we understand Nancy's refusal of safety after she trusts Rose with dangerous knowledge?
11. What might criminal pride offer someone facing the magistrates, and what might it conceal?
12. What does Mr. Fagin's mistaken reading of Nancy's secrecy reveal about his approach to controlling people?
13. How should responsibility for Nancy's murder be shared between Mr. Fagin and Mr. Sikes?
14. How does Mr. Sikes joining a firefighting crowd complicate your view of him without excusing his crime?

Themes to talk about

Tips for the host

1. Open each meeting with one question everyone can answer, then go deeper.
2. Anyone who fell behind can catch up with the 15-minute summary.