Student Question
What did Toby mean by "His face is a fortune for him" in Oliver Twist?
Quick answer:
Toby Crackit, in Oliver Twist, refers to Oliver's innocent appearance as a "fortune" because it makes him an ideal pickpocket. His open and innocent face allows him to easily gain the trust of unsuspecting victims, particularly older ladies in churches, who would never suspect him of theft. Thus, his appearance becomes a valuable asset in the criminal world, enabling him to steal without arousing suspicion.
In the Charles Dickens novel Oliver Twist, Toby Crackit, nicknamed "Flash" for his flamboyant demeanor, is a burglary partner of Bill Sikes who helped plan the attempted robbery of the Maylie House.
In chapter 22, "The Burglary," Bill Sikes takes Oliver Twist to Toby's home on Jacob's Island.
"Hallo!" exclaimed Toby.
Uttering this exclamation in a tone of great surprise, as his eyes rested on Oliver, Mr. Toby Crackit brought himself into a sitting posture, and demanded who that was . . . .
"Wud of Bister Fagid's lads," exclaimed Barney, with a grin.
"Fagin's, eh!" exclaimed Toby, looking at Oliver. "Wot an inwalable boy that'll make, for the old ladies' pockets in chapels! His mug is a fortin' to him."
Barney, a young waiter who was staying at Toby's home, gave Oliver and Bill some food and drink. Toby half-filled a wine glass with spirits and offered it to Oliver.
"Down with it, innocence," Toby says to Oliver, which helps explain what Toby meant by Oliver's face being his fortune.
Oliver's open, innocent face will help him move easily among the ladies at church, relieving them of their silk scarves and their little watches, picking their pockets, and filching what he can from their purses while they smile at him, pinch his cheek, and pat him on the head.
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