Of all bad deeds that, under cover of the darkness, had been committed within wide London’s bounds since night hung over it, that was the worst. Of all the horrors that rose with an ill scent upon the morning air, that was the foulest and most cruel. The sun—the bright sun, that brings back, not light alone, but new life, and hope, and freshness to man—burst upon the crowded city in clear and radiant glory. Through costly-coloured glass and paper-mended window, through cathedral dome and rotten crevice, it shed its equal ray. It lighted up the room where the murdered woman lay. It did. He
...more
Nancy’s death
- sets up the justice for Oliver and the downfall of the criminals
- shows the consequence of her decision to not be saved
- realistic end for many prostitutes
- there is a hope that lingers for melancholy individuals, but there is no escape, so her death is the only possible resolution (The Author’s Introduction to the Third Edition 1841)
