Chapter 4 Summary

In Chapter 4, Oliver becomes apprenticed to Mr. Sowerberry, the local undertaker. He is very frightened to leave the workhouse, and becomes even more so when he meets his new mistress and sees his new living arrangements. Mrs. Sowerberry has a complete disdain for children, claiming that they eat too much. She feeds Oliver the scraps she has out for the dog, and requires him to sleep among the coffins.

Chapter 4 Analysis

Here we are again struck by Oliver's strength and courage. He cries uncontrollably as Mr. Bumble is escorting him to Mr. Sowerberry's house, but once inside, puts on a brave face, as long as others are present. He eats the scraps provided to him ravenously. Dickens takes the opportunity in this chapter to preach a bit about poverty, hunger, and the middle class world's lack of understanding of both. Dickens states, as...