Student Question
Did Oliver participate in Bill Sykes's robbery plan in Oliver Twist?
Quick answer:
Oliver is forced to participate in Bill Sykes's robbery plan despite his reluctance. Sykes needs Oliver to crawl through a small window to unlock the door for the robbery. Although Oliver intends to warn the occupants, they are already aware and begin shooting. The robbers flee, taking an injured Oliver with them. Oliver's involvement is against his will, driven by Sykes's threats.
Even though he doesn't want to, Oliver is forced to take part in the plan to rob the house.
According to Bill Sykes's plan, the robbers need a boy small enough to crawl through a tiny window and unlock the door to the house. Oliver is frightened and does not want to participate in the burglary, but Sykes is unyielding and threatens to kill him if he doesn't cooperate. Oliver enters the house with the intent of warning the occupants of what is about to occur, but they already are aware of what is happening and begin shooting at Oliver and the others. The would-be thieves run off, taking Oliver, who has been injured in the melee.
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