Sikes vs. Society

Traces the escalating conflict between Bill Sikes and the law, culminating in his death.

increasingBearing stren­gth in each eventdecreasing

Sikes the Outlaw

Sikes the Outlaw The Criminal Life Sikes lives outside the law. He is a housebreaker, thief, and murderer. He is feared by all. The Burglary Sikes leads the Chertsey burglary, a direct challenge to property and order. He fails and becomes more desperate. The Murder Sikes murders Nancy, a crime that turns society against him. He becomes a hunted man.

The Hunt

The Hunt The Manhunt The authorities and the public pursue Sikes. A reward is offered. He is isolated and hunted. The Flight Sikes wanders the countryside, tormented by guilt. He cannot escape the memory of his crime. The Return to London Sikes returns to Jacob's Island, hoping to hide. But society closes in on him.

The Siege and Death

The Siege and Death The Mob A furious mob surrounds the house where Sikes is hiding. They demand his capture. The Escape Attempt Sikes tries to escape by rope but accidentally hangs himself. His death is a result of his own actions. The End of Conflict Sikes's death resolves the conflict between him and society. Justice is served, but it is a brutal end.

Throughout the story

After the murder

Near the end