Oliver Twist: A Tale of Poverty and Redemption

Oliver Twist

Synopsis

Oliver Twist is a novel by Charles Dickens. Nine-year-old Oliver becomes an orphan and grows up in a workhouse where he is mistreated by Mr. Bumble. He briefly works at a funeral home before deciding to seek a better life in London.

On his way to London, Oliver meets a boy his age who invites him to join a band of thieves led by Fagin. Oliver accepts and experiences a harsh life in London.

Eventually, Oliver discovers his true origins: he comes from a wealthy, noble family and was adopted by Mr. Brownlow.

Characters

Main Characters

• Oliver Twist: The protagonist, orphaned at birth. He endures hardship and abuse in his childhood but ultimately finds happiness.
• Rose Maylie: A young woman taken in by the elderly Mrs. Maylie. She is later revealed to be Oliver's aunt.
• Mr. Brownlow: A kind old man who takes pity on Oliver and offers him a loving home.
• Fagin: A cunning old man who leads a gang of child thieves, including Oliver.
• Nancy: A member of Fagin's gang who sympathizes with Oliver and tries to help him. She is ultimately killed by her abusive boyfriend, Bill Sikes.
• Bill Sikes: A violent criminal and Nancy's boyfriend. He is hanged while trying to escape after murdering Nancy.

Other Characters

• Mrs. Maylie: Rose Maylie's adoptive mother.
• Agnes Fleming: Oliver's mother, who died shortly after his birth.
• Mr. Leeford: Oliver's father, who died before Oliver was born.
• Monks: Oliver's half-brother, a cruel and selfish man.
• Mr. Bumble: The cruel owner of the workhouse where Oliver grew up.
• Jack Dawkins (The Artful Dodger): A young thief who introduces Oliver to Fagin.

Historical Context

Oliver Twist takes place during the Industrial Revolution in London. This period saw a stark divide between the wealthy bourgeoisie and the working class proletariat. The novel highlights the social injustices of the time, including child exploitation and poverty.

The story depicts the harsh realities of child labor and the difficult conditions faced by many children during this era.