Name: __________________________________________ Day/Block: ____________________

Oliver Twist Reading Guide Chapters 8-14

Section I: Charting Significant Events
Chart Olivers journey in the assigned section. Record six to eight significant events.

What do you predict will happen to Oliver Twist next?

Section II: Noting Details

1. Describe the appearance of Jack Dawkins otherwise known as Artful Dodger
(page 80). Why do you think he goes by this name (page 82)?

2. Describe the house of Fagin (pages 84-85). How does the dinner scene at the house of
Fagin contrast to the dinner scene in the workhouse?

3. Why do you think Fagin and the gang of boys turn to crime?

4. Oliver is unable to speak at the trial because he is terrified, exhausted, and sick (pages
103-105). What do you think his inability to speak symbolizes?

5. Describe how the justice system operated for the poor.

6. Describe the home of Mr. Brownlow (pages 107-112). How does it contrast to the home
of Fagin and the workhouse?

7. When Nancy goes to the police station to search for information about Oliver, she dresses
up (page 123). When Oliver stays at the home of Mr. Brownlow, he wears nice clothing.
What do you think is the significance of the clothing?

Section III: Identifying Patterns

8. What rules did social classes have to follow? How do these rules follow a
pattern in Oliver Twist?