Oliver Twist, Chapter 7 summary
Chapter 7 of 53 · 10 min to read the chapter
In Chapter 7, Oliver defends his mother against insults, endures another beating, and secretly leaves the undertaker’s house at dawn rather than remain under its cruel treatment. On his way out, he meets his sick friend Dick, whose affectionate farewell and blessing contrast with the hostility Oliver faces from the adults.
What happens
- Noah Claypole exaggerates Oliver’s attack to Mr. Bumble, and a gentleman rewards Noah while ordering Bumble to punish Oliver.
- Mr. Bumble blames Oliver’s resistance on meat and recommends confinement, starvation, and gruel.
- Oliver insists that Noah insults his mother, but Mrs. Sowerberry’s tears prompt Sowerberry to beat him severely.
- Alone at night, Oliver weeps, packs his few clothes, and waits until dawn to escape.
- Oliver follows a familiar footpath and meets Dick, who speaks of dying and blesses him goodbye.
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In this chapter
What to notice
Bumble treats a poor child’s independence as something improper. His question exposes the reasoning behind his recommendation to weaken Oliver through hunger.
Quick check
What does Oliver do before leaving the undertaker’s house?
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