130 pages 4 hours read

Charles Dickens

Oliver Twist

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 1838

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Chapters 31-35

Chapter Summaries & Analyses

Chapter 31 Summary: “INVOLVES A CRITICAL POSITION”

Brittles opens the door to two police officers named Blathers and Duff. The two men enter the home and begin asking for details of the robbery from the night before; the officers believe that a mere “yokel” did not commit the robbery, but rather experienced robbers. The two officers speak with Mr. Losberne, Mrs. Maylie, and Rose about the robbers and the doctor does his best to draw out the interview for as long as possible. The officers examine the house and the perimeter and then interview Mr. Giles and Brittles about the events of the previous night. The doctor tells them that Oliver has nothing to do with the robbery and does his best to delay them from seeing the young boy.

The doctor and the two women pace restlessly as the officers conduct their investigation. They are at a loss of what to do. Rose believes that they might be swayed by Oliver’s story but the doctor is aware that the young boy’s tale does not exonerate him from any wrongdoing. The officers eventually return and tell them that a young boy had undoubtedly assisted the robbers. Blathers and Duff then ask to see and interview Oliver.