Oliver and Dick's Friendship

Traces the brief but poignant friendship between Oliver and Dick, a fellow workhouse boy.

increasingBearing stren­gth in each eventdecreasing

The Workhouse Companions

The Workhouse Companions The Shared Suffering Oliver and Dick are both inmates of the workhouse. They have been beaten and starved together. The Only Friend Dick is Oliver's only friend. They support each other in their misery. The Parting When Oliver leaves the workhouse, he says goodbye to Dick. Dick is pale and dying.

The Farewell Blessing

The Farewell Blessing The Last Meeting Oliver visits Dick before running away. Dick is very ill but happy to see Oliver. The Blessing Dick gives Oliver a blessing, saying "God bless you." It is the first blessing Oliver has ever received. The Memory Oliver never forgets Dick's blessing. It stays with him through all his trials.

Dick's Death

Dick's Death The News Oliver learns that Dick has died. He is saddened but remembers his friend's blessing. The Reflection Oliver reflects on Dick's short, miserable life. He is grateful for his own escape. The Legacy Dick's memory inspires Oliver to be kind to others. Their friendship, though brief, is meaningful.

Oliver's early years

When Oliver runs away

Near the end of the story