The itinerary of Sikes and Oliver across the city of London through the western suburbs is detailed with lively accuracy. The description is an excellent specimen of Dickens's unrivaled representation of the great metropolis with all of its variety and teeming activity. The weather has been stormy, and the men and boy start out in the gray dawn. The night of the house-breaking is foggy and very dark. Much of the vital action of this somber novel takes place at night — and on nights that are black and rainy.
Oliver again gives conclusive evidence of his trust and naiveté. In spite of the compulsory education that he has been subjected to, he surmises that he is being sent to Sikes to perform innocent tasks. But as Oliver and Sikes approach their destination, the boy is agitated by fear that his murder is the objective of the expedition. It is not until the party have scaled the wall that he suddenly realizes that he is being dragged into some terrible crime. Belated recognition of his position strikes him in much the same manner as when Brownlow was robbed. The boy has not gained an understanding of corruption since then.
We receive ample assurance that Oliver has not been corrupted by his tempters. Fagin's collection of criminal biographies intensifies the boy's revulsion for evil ways. His resolve to risk everything to arouse the intended victims of the burglary is intended by Dickens to release the boy from any involuntary responsibility.
Nancy has been torn by a conflict regarding Oliver. Personal fear inhibits her from attempting to save the boy; although she is resigned to the lawless way of life, she has qualms about furthering the deliberate destruction of another human being. The girl wavers and catastrophe follows. A climax has been reached in Oliver's career, with his life and destiny hanging in precarious balance.
