Good vs. Evil: Brownlow vs. Fagin

Traces the moral conflict between the benevolent Mr. Brownlow and the criminal Fagin.

increasingBearing stren­gth in each eventdecreasing

The Two Forces

The Two Forces Brownlow's Benevolence Mr. Brownlow represents kindness, justice, and compassion. He rescues Oliver and seeks the truth. Fagin's Malevolence Fagin represents greed, corruption, and crime. He exploits children and seeks to destroy Oliver. The Struggle for Oliver Oliver becomes the battleground between these two forces. Brownlow wants to save him; Fagin wants to corrupt him.

The Setback

The Setback Brownlow's Deception Bumble's false testimony convinces Brownlow that Oliver is bad. He gives up hope. Fagin's Victory Fagin regains control of Oliver. He uses him in the burglary. Evil seems to triumph. The Temporary Loss Oliver is lost to Brownlow. The forces of evil appear to have won.

The Turning Point

The Turning Point Nancy's Revelation Nancy provides the information that allows Brownlow to act. Good gains an ally. The Capture of Monks Brownlow captures Monks and forces a confession. The truth about Oliver's parentage emerges. The Triumph of Good Oliver is reunited with Brownlow. Fagin is arrested. Good prevails over evil.

Throughout the story

After Oliver's recapture

After Nancy's information