Oliver Twist: Chapters 31-37 Summary
Summary: Chapter 31
Officers Duff and Blathers investigate the crime scene, while the surgeon and women seek to conceal Oliver’s involvement. They determine that two men and a boy were involved, based on footprints and the window’s size. Mr. Losberne clarifies that Giles mistook Oliver for the culprit, who was accidentally wounded by a spring-gun while trespassing. Giles and Brittles cannot positively identify Oliver as the boy they saw. The officers depart, resolving the matter.
Summary: Chapter 32
Oliver gradually recovers over several weeks. He expresses gratitude for his benefactors’ kindness and wishes to repay them. They assure him he can do so once his health improves. Oliver laments not being able to inform Brownlow and Mrs. Bedwin of his situation. Mr. Losberne takes Oliver to London to visit them, but they have relocated to the West Indies. Mrs. Maylie and Miss Rose take Oliver to the countryside, where his health and literacy skills flourish. They develop a strong bond during their time there.
Summary: Chapter 33
Rose suddenly falls ill with a severe fever. Mrs. Maylie sends Oliver to deliver a letter requesting Dr. Losberne’s assistance. On his return, Oliver encounters a tall, cloaked man who curses him, questions his presence, and collapses violently. Oliver seeks help for the man and forgets the incident.
Summary: Chapter 34
Giles and Harry Maylie, Mrs. Maylie’s son, visit Rose. Harry expresses anger at his mother for not informing him sooner. Mrs. Maylie emphasizes Rose’s need for enduring love rather than youthful infatuation. She reveals a”stai” on Rose’s reputation due to her parents’ misdeeds, which could hinder Harry’s political aspirations and ultimately destroy his love for her. Harry declares his unwavering love for Rose. While Rose recovers, Oliver and Harry gather flowers for her room. Oliver falls asleep while reading by a window and has a nightmare involving Fagin and a stranger. Upon waking, he sees Fagin and the stranger peering through the window, who quickly disappear.
Summary: Chapter 35
Harry and Giles assist Oliver. They search the area but find no trace of Fagin or the stranger. They circulate a description of Fagin but receive no leads. Harry professes his love to Rose, but she declines due to her birth circumstances and concerns about hindering his ambitions. Harry vows to propose again but will not pursue the matter further if she refuses.
Summary: Chapter 36
Before departing, Harry requests that Oliver secretly write him biweekly letters detailing the ladies’ activities. Rose tearfully watches Harry and Dr. Losberne leave.
Summary: Chapter 37
Mr. Bumble has married Mrs. Corney and become the workhouse master. He regrets losing his beadle position and his bachelorhood. After an argument with his wife, he visits a pub where a man in a dark cape recognizes him. The man offers money for information about Old Sally, who attended Oliver’s birth. Mr. Bumble reveals her death but mentions a woman who spoke to her on her deathbed. The stranger, who introduces himself as Monks, requests that Mr. Bumble bring this woman to him the following evening.