Oliver Twist

Oliver Twist Summary | Chapter 1 Summary

The initial chapter describes the birth of the main character - Oliver Twist. His mother has been found lying in the street, her shoes in shreds from walking. She is brought to a workhouse in England, and the next night gives birth to Oliver, delivered by a surgeon and a drunken nurse. Oliver struggles to breathe at first, but once established, cries heartily. His mother asks to see him, and dies once she has placed a kiss on him. She is unmarried, and no one knows her identity. Oliver is left at the workhouse in the care of the nurse.