Sikes's Fate

Traces Bill Sikes's descent from brutal criminal to hunted murderer and his violent death.

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Sikes the Housebreaker

Sikes the Housebreaker The Violent Criminal Bill Sikes is a brutal housebreaker and associate of Fagin. He is feared by everyone, including his dog Bull's-eye. Relationship with Nancy Sikes lives with Nancy, treating her with contempt and violence. He dominates her through fear. The Burglary Sikes leads the Chertsey burglary, forcing Oliver to participate. When it fails, he abandons Oliver without remorse.

Murder of Nancy

Murder of Nancy The Confrontation Fagin tells Sikes that Nancy has betrayed them. Sikes returns home in a rage and confronts Nancy. The Brutal Killing Sikes beats Nancy to death with a pistol and a club. He is unmoved by her pleas for mercy. The Aftermath Sikes becomes a fugitive. He is haunted by guilt and visions of Nancy's eyes. His life unravels.

Flight and Terror

Flight and Terror The Escape Sikes flees London, wandering through the countryside. He is tormented by hallucinations of Nancy's eyes. The Fire He joins a crowd fighting a fire, trying to lose himself in the chaos. But the guilt follows him. Return to London Desperate, Sikes returns to Jacob's Island, seeking refuge with other criminals.

Death by Hanging

Death by Hanging The Siege The mob surrounds the house where Sikes is hiding. Charley Bates tries to give him up. The Escape Attempt Sikes tries to lower himself from the roof with a rope. He accidentally hangs himself when he loses his balance. The Corpse Sikes's body swings lifeless against the wall. His dog Bull's-eye jumps after him and dies. Sikes's violent life ends in a violent death.

Early and mid-story

Near the climax

After the murder

Near the end