Oliver Asks for More Gruel

The workhouse boys, suffering from slow starvation, draw lots to determine who will ask for an additional portion of gruel. The lot falls to Oliver. That evening, after finishing his meager supper, Oliver approaches the master, bowl in hand, and utters the famous line: 'Please, sir, I want some more.' The master is stupefied, then strikes Oliver and calls for the beadle. The board is horrified, and the gentleman in the white waistcoat famously predicts that Oliver will be hanged. As punishment, Oliver is confined to a dark, solitary room, and a notice is posted offering a reward of five pounds to anyone who will take him as an apprentice.