Nancy's Secret Meetings with Rose

Traces Nancy's risky efforts to help Oliver by meeting Rose Maylie and Mr. Brownlow.

increasingBearing stren­gth in each eventdecreasing

Nancy's First Contact

Nancy's First Contact The Decision to Help Nancy, moved by guilt and pity, decides to help Oliver. She remembers Rose Maylie's kindness and seeks her out. The Hotel Visit Nancy goes to the hotel where the Maylies are staying. She is initially turned away but insists on seeing Rose. The First Meeting Nancy tells Rose about Monks and Fagin's plot. She reveals that Monks is Oliver's brother and wants to destroy him. Rose promises to keep Nancy's secret.

The London Bridge Meeting

The London Bridge Meeting The Appointment Nancy agrees to meet Rose and Mr. Brownlow on London Bridge at eleven o'clock on Sunday night. The Eavesdropper Noah Claypole, sent by Fagin, follows Nancy and hides on the stairs. He overhears the entire conversation. The Information Revealed Nancy describes Monks's appearance and habits. She tells them where Monks can be found. She refuses to betray Fagin directly but gives them the means to capture Monks.

Nancy's Refusal to Escape

Nancy's Refusal to Escape The Offer of Safety Mr. Brownlow offers Nancy a chance to escape her life of crime. He promises a safe haven in England or abroad. Nancy's Loyalty to Sikes Nancy refuses. She admits she is chained to Sikes by a twisted love. She cannot leave him, even knowing he might kill her. The Tragic Choice Nancy chooses to return to her dangerous life. She asks only for a keepsake from Rose. Her decision seals her fate.

The Consequences

The Consequences Fagin Learns the Truth Noah reports to Fagin, who tells Sikes. Sikes confronts Nancy and murders her in a rage. The Loss of a Source Nancy's death cuts off the flow of information to Rose and Mr. Brownlow. However, they already have enough to act against Monks. Nancy's Legacy Nancy's sacrifice enables Oliver's rescue and the revelation of his parentage. Her actions, though ultimately fatal, are heroic.

After Oliver's rescue by the Maylies

A Sunday night, near the climax

During the London Bridge meeting

After the meeting