The Role of Chance and Coincidence

Traces the many coincidences that drive the plot and bring characters together.

increasingBearing stren­gth in each eventdecreasing

Oliver Meets the Dodger

Oliver Meets the Dodger The Chance Encounter Oliver, starving and desperate, meets the Artful Dodger in Barnet. This coincidence leads him to Fagin. The Turning Point This meeting sets Oliver on a path into the criminal world. It is a pivotal moment. The Irony Oliver's search for help leads him into danger. Chance plays a cruel trick.

The Bookstall Incident

The Bookstall Incident The Witness The bookstall keeper happens to see the real thief. He arrives at the court just in time to save Oliver. The Coincidence If the keeper had not been there, Oliver would have been sentenced. Chance saves him. The Pattern Throughout the novel, coincidences repeatedly rescue Oliver from danger.

The Portrait's Resemblance

The Portrait's Resemblance The Unexpected Clue Oliver's resemblance to the portrait of Agnes Fleming is a crucial coincidence. It hints at his parentage. Brownlow's Recognition Brownlow notices the resemblance but does not understand it. It plants the seed for later revelations. The Mystery This coincidence is the first clue to Oliver's identity. It drives the plot forward.

The Final Revelations

The Final Revelations The Gathering of Characters All the main characters converge in the market-town. Coincidence brings them together for the final revelations. The Confession Monks is forced to confess. The truth emerges through a series of fortunate events. The Happy Ending Coincidence and chance play a major role in bringing about the happy ending. The novel acknowledges the power of luck.

Early in the story

After Oliver's arrest

During Oliver's stay with Brownlow

Near the end