Oliver Twist

Definition

Oliver Twist is a novel by Charles Dickens, first published in 1837, that tells the story of an orphan boy who experiences a harsh life in a workhouse and later encounters a world of crime and poverty in London. The narrative not only follows Oliver's struggles for identity and belonging but also critiques the social injustices of Victorian England, particularly the treatment of the poor and vulnerable.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The full title of the novel is 'Oliver Twist; or, The Parish Boy's Progress,' highlighting the contrast between Oliver's innocence and the harsh realities he faces.
2. Dickens wrote Oliver Twist partly as a response to the Poor Law Amendment Act of 1834, which worsened conditions for the poor.
3. The character of Oliver has become emblematic of childhood innocence and the struggle against social evils.
4. The novel introduced memorable characters like the Artful Dodger and Bill Sikes, showcasing the criminal underbelly of Victorian society.
5. Oliver Twist was one of the first novels to depict child labor and its impact on society, prompting discussions on social reform.

Review Questions

• How does Oliver Twist reflect Dickens' views on social inequality and injustice during the Victorian era?
  • Oliver Twist reflects Dickens' strong criticism of social inequality through its portrayal of workhouses and the brutal treatment of the poor. By depicting Oliver’s struggles and interactions with characters like Fagin and Bill Sikes, Dickens highlights the plight of orphans and the systemic failures that leave vulnerable children at risk. The novel serves as a call for compassion and reform, urging readers to recognize and address these injustices.
• Discuss the significance of character development in Oliver Twist, particularly focusing on how Dickens uses characters to represent various societal issues.
  • In Oliver Twist, character development is crucial as each figure represents different aspects of Victorian society. For example, Oliver embodies innocence and hope amidst corruption, while characters like Fagin represent moral decay and exploitation. Through these contrasting characters, Dickens illustrates themes such as child labor, poverty, and crime, effectively using their arcs to critique societal norms. The characters’ interactions demonstrate how environment shapes behavior and morality.
• Evaluate the impact that Oliver Twist had on public perception regarding child welfare and social reform in 19th-century England.
  • Oliver Twist significantly influenced public perception about child welfare by bringing attention to the harsh realities faced by impoverished children in 19th-century England. The novel's vivid portrayal of life in workhouses and crime-ridden streets galvanized public opinion against existing social conditions. As readers empathized with Oliver's plight, it spurred advocacy for social reforms that would eventually lead to changes in laws regarding child labor and poor relief, demonstrating literature’s power to enact societal change.

Related terms

Workhouse: An institution where the poor were housed and forced to work in exchange for food and shelter, often under brutal conditions.

Fagin: A character in Oliver Twist who is a Jewish criminal and leader of a gang of child thieves, representing the exploitation of vulnerable children.

Victorian Era: The period of Queen Victoria's reign from 1837 to 1901, characterized by industrialization, social reform movements, and stark class divisions.