Introduction
Oliver Twist, written by
Charles Dickens in 1837–1839, is one of the earliest novels in English
literature to center on a child protagonist. Set in Victorian England, the
novel vividly portrays the harsh realities of poverty, child-labour, crime, and
the failures of institutional systems like the Poor Laws and workhouses. It also
offers a powerful critique of the social conditions.
The Plight of the Poor and the
Workhouse System
The novel opens in a workhouse,
immediately immersing in the grim world of England’s poor. The infamous scene
where Oliver asks, “Please, sir, I want some more food,” underscores the
cruelty and dehumanization of institutional charity. Dickens uses the workhouse
to criticize the Poor Law Amendment Act of 1834, which forced the destitute
into workhouses under the pretence of reform, stripping them of dignity. Characters
like Mr. Bumble and Mrs. Mann represent corrupt and self-serving authority
figures who exploit the very people they are supposed to help. By exposing
these systems, Dickens evokes sympathy for the poor and forces readers to
confront the injustice embedded in the society.
Innocence vs. Corruption
Oliver himself is a symbol of innate
goodness and resilience. Despite his exposure to crime, abuse, and hardship, he
never loses his moral compass. This contrasts starkly with characters like
Fagin and Bill Sikes, who represent moral decay. Fagin's manipulation of
children into a life of crime and Sikes' brutal violence reflect the corrupting
forces of urban poverty and criminality.
Nancy, however, is a morally complex
character. Though a member of the criminal underworld, she displays deep
compassion and ultimately sacrifices her life for Oliver. Through Nancy,
Dickens suggests that even in the darkest environments, humanity and redemption
are possible.
Critique of Class and Social
Injustice
Dickens illustrates how class determines
the fate of individuals. Oliver’s unknown noble lineage protects him in the
end, but Dickens critiques the notion that only the well-born are worthy of
compassion and justice. The contrast between Oliver’s treatment as a pauper and
later as a gentleman highlights the hypocrisy of Victorian society.
Additionally, the novel portrays the
wealthy as morally responsible for the welfare of the poor. Characters like Mr.
Brownlow and Rose Maylie embody this ideal, using their privilege to aid
Oliver. Yet, Dickens also warns against the apathy of the upper classes and the
dangers of ignoring the suffering around them.
Language, Tone, and Narrative
Technique
Dickens blends satire, irony, and
melodrama to expose societal wrongs. His descriptions are vivid and emotionally
charged, often using humour to criticize authority. The omniscient narrator
provides moral commentary, guiding the reader’s judgments and reinforcing the
novel’s themes of justice and compassion.
Conclusion
Oliver Twist is more than a
story of a mistreated orphan. It is a profound social document that challenges
injustice, questions the morality of systems meant to help the vulnerable, and
upholds the importance of compassion and moral integrity. Dickens’ portrayal of
Oliver’s resilience amidst adversity remains a timeless reminder of the need
for empathy in a world divided by wealth, class, and power.
