Nancy, the kindhearted prostitute in Charles Dickens's Oliver Twist, is tragically killed by Bill Sikes, her abusive lover.
Sikes, a hardened criminal, is enraged by Nancy's attempt to help Oliver escape his clutches and protect him from the clutches of Fagin's gang. He sees her act as a betrayal and, in a fit of violent rage, strangles her in a dark alley. This horrific act serves as a stark reminder of the brutality and violence that permeate the underbelly of Victorian London.
Sikes's murder of Nancy is a pivotal moment in the novel. It marks a turning point in Oliver's journey and serves as a catalyst for his eventual escape from Fagin's influence. It also highlights the social injustices and harsh realities faced by vulnerable individuals like Nancy, who are often trapped in cycles of abuse and exploitation.
