When Oliver sees his companions pick Brownlow's pocket, we have a recognition scene. All the things that the boy has observed since joining Fagin's group now fit into place, and he realizes to his horror that he has fallen into unsavory company. Oliver is so trusting and naive that he never suspected what has been clear all along, producing an instance of sustained irony.
The crime gives Dickens a chance to throw light on some ugly realities of human nature. The ability of Dawkins and Bates in inciting the mob to hunt down their innocent fellow is another example of true criminal morality at work. The gleeful ferocity with which the pursuers charge after Oliver illustrates that "there is a passion for hunting something deeply implanted in the human breast," regardless of benevolent impulses.
The hue and cry is vividly described with the staccato effect of the words echoing the impetuosity of the people rushing to join the chase. By means of terse, parallel expressions which contain much vigorous alliteration, a turbulent scene is built up as old and young desert their normal occupations for the thrill of the pursuit.
It is a tribute to Dickens's attention to detail that there was a living model for Mr. Fang. The novelist gained admission to the courtroom so that he could study the mean-spirited magistrate personally. Similarly, in his quest for authenticity, Dickens made a tour to gather material about conditions in the unsavory private schools that he exposed in Nicholas Nickleby.
Although the meeting of Oliver and Mr. Brownlow seems to be sheer chance, the old gentleman's interest in the boy clearly hints at some mystery. Brownlow's prolonged and concentrated effort to revive an association between Oliver's appearance with someone from out of the past is too pronounced to reflect a mere passing fancy.
