One scene that stood out to me was in chapter 26 prior to the conversation between Monks and Fagin. The two go to Fagin’s home to discuss events regarding Oliver and the narration emphasized how careful they have to be because of neighbors. Fagin openly states, “there are holes in the shutters, and we never shew lights to our neighbours” (Dickens 178). Therefore they move to the first floor, only to sit behind a door and “convers[e] for some time in whispers [so that] nothing of the conversation was distinguishable beyond a few disjointed words here and there” (Dickens 178).
The establishment of location for their conversation shows the fear of surveillance that exists in characters that are initially seen as powerful. Fagin, in particular, is seen as powerful to several characters (primarily children or other younger characters) at different points in the novel; however, the fact that he must hide in order to hold a conversation in his own home really shows how little power he holds. If his neighbors saw or heard what he was doing, it could result in trouble with authority figures. By even acknowledging it is a possibility for neighbors to listen in, Fagin is placing power in the public as people who watch. Additionally, Monks seems to understand Fagin’s concerns about his neighbors. Placing everyone who can be considered ‘neighbors’ at a physical distance emphasizes that a large portion of society has the ability to watch (and simultaneously can be watched).