OLIVER TWIST (CHARLES DICKENS)

 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.