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Sikes plunges through space, the noose tightening around his neck until, with a tremendous jolt, the rope runs its length. Sikes is executed. The lifeless hand of the killer still clutches a knife. Readers agree that this is an effective, thrilling scene, but many think the final detail is pathetic or ridiculous: howling dismally, Sikes' dog hurls itself at his master's shoulders, only to miss and bash its brains out in the ditch. In spite …

…the dog's death is included to break the tension created by Sikes' hanging. If so, you might wonder if Dickens wants you to feel sorry for the dog or to think it is foolish for following such a cruel master to its death. How do you feel about Sikes' violent death? Is it fitting punishment for Nancy's murder or is it just more senseless violence? Think about how you feel about the execution of murderers