Oliver Twist Analysis

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A short passage on page twelve of the novel Oliver Twist, by Charles Dickens exposes the social and moral injustices endured by the working class, specifically children throughout the 19th century in Victorian society. Dickens indirectly incorporates a social commentary highlighting the economic divide between the affluent and working classes. Therefore thematically the impact of one’s status is instrumental in a Victorian citizen’s daily life. For example, this passage reveals Victorians obsession with status. Dickens illustrates both the literal and figurative significance of the Masters status, “The master, in his cook’s uniform, stationed himself at the copper; his pauper assistants ranged themselves behind him.” This quote utilizes diction, …show more content…

Therefore, any citizen that opposed the social hierarchy was perceived insolent. For example, the protagonist of the novel, Oliver, simply, did not grasp the absoluteness of this social structure. In this passage, Dickens draws the reader in with the assumption that the reader has a concrete understanding of the historical and social constructs of Victorian society as well as the overwhelming naiveté of Oliver Twist. This is illustrated when the boys are whispering amongst one another and winking at Oliver in effort to encourage Oliver, “child as he was, he was desperate with hunger and reckless with misery”, when he rose from the table advancing to the master with his basin and spoon in hand and boldly declared “please sir, I want some more”. Therefore, Oliver’s action unintentionally defied the social hierarchy extending his social status for a moment far above his actual rank on the social totem pole. Oliver’s behaviour was perceived to be outright audacious and unnatural, this is highlighted when; “The master gazed in stupefied astonishment on the small rebel for some seconds; and then clung for support to the copper. The assistants were paralysed with wonder; the boys with fear.” This quote emphasizes Oliver’s insubordination when he daring requests for “more”. Dickens uses diction to accentuate the overwhelming disbelief of Oliver’s behviour as a

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