Introduction
A Book review, for a classic work of literature, is like a challenge and it also takes courage. Even more so when it’s an Oliver Twist novel. The story of ‘Oliver Twist by Charles Dickens has a riveting plot and an evergreen appeal. The story encompasses the life of an orphan named Oliver Twist, whose mother kicked the bucket having him.
Book Blurb
Nineteenth-century England marked the phase of the Industrial Revolution when the classic Oliver Twist was born in a workhouse. His mother died at childbirth leaving him orphaned. The young lad grew up in an orphanage where he got his name. Subsequently, Mr. Bumble took him away from the orphanage and hired him to work.
Oliver was nine years old when he was taken away to the workhouse. His job required him to pick and weave oakum.
Child labor was also common at that time therefore, the orphans had to work all day for the advantage of the ruling class with receiving little to no pay, extortion happened, and also they were overworked and starved.
Later on, he was sold off to a coffin maker, Mr. Sowerberry as an apprentice by Mr. Bumble. Mrs.Sowerberry was a dominating and manipulative lady. She never treated Oliver with affection or care even though he was a mere child. The little boy was seen just as the house help.
Oliver ran away from thereafter he was beaten by Mr. Sowerberry for getting into a fight with Noah. Traveling all the way to London on foot hoping that he'd have a better life there.
In London, he bumped into ‘Artful Dodger’, who happened to be part of a young boys’ pickpocket gang led by Fagin, an aged criminal. Oliver’s naivety hindered him to suspect any of the unscrupulous and dishonest activities.
Even though Oliver was taken under Fagin to become an expert pickpocket, Fagin never abused or harassed any of his children under him. In fact, he even had a soft corner for Oliver.
Things took an ugly turn when Fagin and one of his apprentice Bates stole a gentleman’s handkerchief and fled away from the scene, where Oliver was too present with them.
Oliver finally realized the bamboozlement and illegal activities that Mr. Fagin and his group were involved in. Oliver, even though arrested, was later released of the charges.
Mr. Brownlow, whose handkerchief was stolen, helped in clearing charges against Oliver and even took him under his care after realizing Oliver’s innocent and kind intentions. Oliver basked in all the love and care Mr. Brownlow showered him with. The love, our protagonist, lacked his whole life.
However, in an ugly turn of events, Oliver is abducted by Fagin and his again only to be punished by the authorities later in the story. It’s revealed that Oliver had a ton of inheritance that Fagin was trying to steal. Finally, after all the atrocities and problems Oliver could lead a peaceful and happy life.
Major Themes and Symbols
Oliver Twist by Dickens is a blend of grim realism with merciless satire to emphasize the effects of industrialism in 19th-century England and to chastise the harsh new Poor Laws. Oliver, a naive boy, is clutched in a world where his only options are to be at the workhouse, a life in the world of crime influenced by Fagin's gang, consequently a prison, or early death.
And yet, Oliver never gave in to the dark and grim activities of those around him. He had an entourage of ignoble people, a corrupt world ready to eat him alive. But his kind heart and noble intentions led him out of the ugly crime and corrupt world, taking him into light and prosperity. An actual fairy-tale that one can imagine.
Poverty and Social Class
Poverty is a significant issue in Oliver Twist. Through the stretch of the novel, the scrutiny over poverty is prominently emphasized.Dingy and overcrowded slums. Dark filthy places at funerals especially the one attended by Oliver with Mr. Sowerberry.
The prevalent misery describes Oliver's encounters with charity and love more poignantly. Oliver’s kindness and innocence helped the needy various times in small and big ways. The obvious cause of poverty takes into light its middle-class readers, constantly hit by the challenges of dark filthy conditions.
Nonetheless, in Oliver Twist, delivers a sort of miscellaneous message regarding social caste and social injustice.
The Bottom Line
Above and beyond, Oliver Twist is a delightful tale and has a lot of life-altering lessons. It not only throws light on how the orphans are mistreated in orphanages but also makes people aware and prepares them not to expect kindness from anyone or everyone they meet, for there exist some extremely terrible people in the actual reality.
The only disheartening fact about the story remains to be Oliver’s naivety. His mistake of trusting people again and again. Not learning from his mistakes and hard standing for himself in the face of oppression and struggle.
Ratings for the Show- 3.5 on 5
Written By - Shivani Singh
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