Oliver Meets Fagin

Prose

GRADE: 5

LEARNER’S DEN

READ DEEPER

B. Answer the following questions in 20–30 words.

1. What made Oliver want to run away again?

The dirty streets covered with soot, the crowded housing accommodations and
the loud noise disturbed Oliver and he was thinking of running away but they had
reached their destination.

2. Describe the back-room.

The walls and ceiling of the room were perfectly black with age and dirt. There
was a table before the fire: upon which were a candle, stuck in a ginger-beer
bottle, two or three pewter pots, a loaf and butter, and a plate. There was a frying-
pan on the fire and a clothes-horse on which many handkerchiefs were hanging.

3. Whom did Oliver meet in the back-room? What were they doing?
Oliver met Fagin, an old shrivelled man and four or five boys around his age.
Fagin was frying sausages in a frying-pan on the fire and the boys were seated
round the table.

4. Describe Fagin.
Fagin was a very old shrivelled Jew, whose face was covered by a quantity of
matted red hair. He had a long pointy beard and deep-set eyes and his fingers
were long and nimble. He was dressed in a greasy flannel gown

5. How was Oliver welcomed?

Fagin grinned and making a low obeisance to Oliver, took him by the hand, and
stated how wonderful it was to make his acquaintance. A young gentleman with
the pipes came round him, and shook both his hands very hard—especially the
one in which he held his little bundle. One young gentleman was very anxious to
hang up his cap for him; and another was so obliging as to put his hands in his

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pockets, in order that, as he was very tired, he might not have the trouble of
emptying them, himself, when he went to bed.

THINK OUT LOUD

C. Express your thoughts.

1. Why, do you think, was everyone so welcoming towards Oliver?

Oliver was being introduced to a gang of thieves or pickpockets. Everyone was

happy to have another boy who would learn their ways and add to their collective
treasure.

2. The story is set in industrialised London which is described as covered with soot.
Debate with your partner over the advantages and disadvantages of development,
citing examples from the present world.

Students own views and thoughts

Advantages – moving with the times and adopting new ways of life; economic
progress; leads to better amenities and facilities for all to use;

Disadvantages – usually causes damage to the environment; leads to pollution;

access to privileged few and hence inequitable distribution of resources;

3. Think of different ways a handkerchief can be put to use, other than its primary
purpose. List at least 10 different uses.

A. Bandana or head band

B. Makeshift mask
C. Makeshift Bag to carry dry items
D. Bandage for a wound
E. Tablecloth
F. Tie things together
G. Chase away flies and insects
H. Make different objects like candle, gun, boat, etc. using paper folding
techniques
I. Tie a knot to remember things
J. Keep in a place to lay claim, eg. seat on the bus, etc.

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