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Oliver Twist Book Review: Charles Dickens

Oliver Twist is a book written by the massively talented Charles Dickens back in the late 1830s and still remains one of the most famous books till date. With the Phrase “Oliver Twist” becoming a metaphor to describe someone who shows lack of disrespect or is someone who requests more than what was given to them. The book focuses on an orphan who went through a lot of hardship following his mother’s death at childbirth and the mysterious absence of his father. He is forced to go through a lot of challenges and has lots of experience that a boy of his age, personality, and character shouldn’t have to go through. In the end, after everything he faces, the main character (Oliver Twist) ultimately finds light at the end of tunnel and lives the rest of his life as a happy and well taken care of lad. Let’s dive into my book review of Oliver Twist by Charles Dickens and go on the rough and almost unbearable journey through life with Young Oliver.

You might also enjoy this list of 35 Oliver Twist quotes about poverty, crime, love and friendship.

Part 1: The Beginning

Young Oliver Twist was brought into the world, and is immediately touched down on earth, lady luck took one look at him and wished him hardship and suffering. His father disappeared under mysterious circumstances and his mother died after giving birth to him thus making him an orphan at birth and forced to be raised with fellow orphans in an orphanage.

At the age of nine, Oliver was taken to a workhouse where he toiled for hours with little food. Although it didn’t take long before he was sent off to go work for Mr Sowerberry, an undertaker. He then built up the courage to request for more food than originally given with the famous words, “Please sir, I want some more.”

Oliver’s troubles seem to continue as Mrs Sowerberry loathed, maltreated, and underfed him whenever Mr Sowerberry wasn’t around. One day, Oliver got in a fight with the much bigger Noah Claypole, his fellow apprentice after he (Noah) insulted Oliver’s mother, but Mrs Sowerberry intervened and helped Noah beat Oliver. Oliver would later be beaten by Mr Sowerberry after being told lies and asked to do so by his wife.

Once it was day break, Oliver snuck out and ran away on foot to London to look for a better life. This is the point that marks the growth and maturity in Oliver as he realises how people are wicked and how they shouldn’t be trusted.

Part 2: The Tunnel

When he was approaching London, Oliver encountered two boys, the Artful Dodger and Charley Bates. Now, as one who has been through a whole lot of hardship, you would expect Oliver to be more sceptical about forming relationships with people, but our hero was easily swayed by the free meal dodger offered him and the promises of being provided a place to rest rent free by an old gentleman in London. In fairness, anyone in Oliver’s shoes would have fallen for the sweet words spoken by dodger.

The generous old gentleman turned out to be Fagin, a notorious criminal who picked young boys up from the streets and turned them to pickpockets. While with them, Oliver believed they all made an honest living making handkerchiefs and wallets till he went on a ‘handkerchief making’ adventure with Dodger and Bates. Things hit the fan when Dodger and Bates stole the handkerchief of a suspecting gentleman who caught the obviously confused Oliver after his pals already fled the scene.

Part 3: The Light

Mr Brownlow, the gentleman whose handkerchief was stolen later took in Oliver Twist after finding out the boy has a good and innocent heart, and showered him with the love he has lacked all his life. However, like all great movies and books, the twist is introduced, the story takes a U-turn and our hero is kidnapped by Fagin and his bands and his cohorts.

In the end, the mystery surrounding Oliver’s life was uncovered and it was revealed that he has a whole lot of inheritance that Fagin and his cohorts were trying to steal. Justice was served to each and every one of them and Oliver Twist lived his life happily ever after.

Overall, the book is a lovely read and it has a lot of teachings. It covers the way orphans are mistreated in orphanages, it also prepares people and teaches them not to expect kindness from everyone they meet as there are some really terrible people out there in the real world. The only thing off putting about the book is the fact that Oliver didn’t seem to learn from all his experiences and for all the courage he showed when he requested for more food, he never really stood up for himself in the face of oppression.

Overall Book Ratings: 9/10

You can get a copy of Oliver Twist from Amazon (This is an affiliate link).

Oliver Twist Book Review_ Charles Dickens

Alice Yoon is an educator who has experience in dealing with kids. Being a Certified Early Childhood Development professional, she writes books and content about kids. She is a member of " paper writers " community which helps students with their college work.

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Dickens' 'Oliver Twist': Summary and Analysis

A Gritty, Crusading Work of Art

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Oliver Twist is a well-known story, but the book is not quite as widely read as you might imagine. In fact, Time Magazine's list of the top 10 most popular Dickens' novels put Oliver Twist in 10th place, even though it was a sensational success in 1837 when it was first serialized and contributed the treacherous villain Fagin to English literature . The novel has the vivid storytelling and unimpeachable literary skill that Dickens brings to all his novels, but it also has a raw, gritty quality that may drive some readers away.

Oliver Twist was also influential in bringing to light the cruel treatment of paupers and orphans in Dickens' time. The novel is not only a brilliant work of art but an important social document.

'Oliver Twist': Indictment of the 19th-Century Workhouse

Oliver, the protagonist, is born in a workhouse in the first half of the nineteenth century. His mother dies during his birth, and he is sent to an orphanage, where he is treated badly, beaten regularly, and poorly fed. In a famous episode, he walks up to the stern authoritarian, Mr. Bumble, and asks for a second helping of gruel. For this impertinence, he is put out of the workhouse.

Please, Sir, Can I Have Some More?

He then runs away from the family that takes him in. He wants to find his fortune in London. Instead, he falls in with a boy called Jack Dawkins, who is part of a child gang of thieves run by a man called Fagin.

Oliver is brought into the gang and trained as a pickpocket. When he goes out on his first job, he runs away and is nearly sent to prison. However, the kind person he tries to rob saves him from the terrors of the city gaol (jail) and the boy is, instead, taken into the man's home. He believes he has escaped Fagin and his crafty gang, but Bill Sikes and Nancy, two members of the gang, force him back in. Oliver is sent out on another job—this time assisting Sikes on a burglary.

Kindness Almost Saves Oliver Time and Again

The job goes wrong and Oliver is shot and left behind. Once more he is taken in, this time by the Maylies, the family he was sent to rob; with them, his life changes dramatically for the better. But Fagin's gang comes after him again. Nancy, who is worried about Oliver, tells the Maylies what's happening. When the gang finds out about Nancy's treachery, they murder her.

Meanwhile, the Maylies reunite Oliver with the gentleman who helped him out earlier and who—with the kind of coincidental plot turn typical of many Victorian novels—turns out to be Oliver's uncle. Fagin is arrested and hanged for his crimes; and Oliver settles down to a normal life, reunited with his family.

The Terrors Awaiting Children in London's Underclass

Oliver Twist is probably not the most psychologically complex of Dickens' novels. Instead, Dickens uses the novel to give readers of the time a dramatic understanding of the deplorable social situation for England's underclass and particularly its children . In this sense, it is more closely linked to Hogarthian satire than Dickens' more romantic novels. Mr. Bumble, the beadle, is an excellent example of Dickens' broad characterization at work. Bumble is a large, terrifying figure: a tin-pot Hitler, who is both frightening to the boys under his control, and also slightly pathetic in his need to maintain his power over them.

Fagin: A Controversial Villain

Fagin, too, is a wonderful example of Dickens ability to draw a caricature and still place it in a convincingly realistic story. There is a streak of cruelty in Dickens' Fagin, but also a sly charisma that has made him one of literature's most compelling villains. Among many film and television productions of the novel, Alec Guinness's portrayal of Fagin remains, perhaps, the most admired. Unfortunately, Guiness's makeup incorporated stereotypical aspects of portrayals of Jewish villains. Along with Shakespeare's Shylock, Fagin remains one of the most controversial and arguably antisemitic creations in the English literary canon.

The Importance of 'Oliver Twist'

Oliver Twist is important as a crusading work of art, although it did not result in the dramatic changes in the English workhouse system that Dickens may have hoped. Nevertheless, Dickens researched that system extensively before writing the novel and his views undoubtedly had a cumulative effect. Two English reform acts addressing the system actually preceded the publication of Oliver Twist , but several more followed, including the influential reforms of 1870. Oliver Twist remains a powerful indictment of English society in the early 19th Century.

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Rating and Reading books

Book Review: Oliver Twist by Charles Dickens

Set in 1800s England the young boy, Oliver Twist, tries to navigate through life without parents, in a world full of homelessness, criminals and unempathetic people.

Please, sir, I want some more.

Oliver Twist is supposedly a children’s book, which shocked me since there are explicit scenes in this novel that revolves around death and cruelty. Dickens wrote in a way that makes the reader anxious. As soon as something good happened to Oliver it was impossible to not think ‘Oh no’ because you just waited for the badness to happen. In this way, Dickens was incredibly successful when creating the narrative for Oliver. However, I couldn’t help but find the novel a little bit boring because sometimes the novel would feel repetitive. One good thing happens and soon after a bad thing happens. Other times Dickens would switch point of view and mention that it might be boring for the reader but that it could have significance later. If you know that it’s going to be boring to the point where you have to warn the reader, then why keep it in? Keep in mind, Oliver Twist is not a novel I would gravitate towards, it was a novel I had to read for my English module in order to prepare for an exam.

It is written through multiple point of views, for example Mr Bumble (the beadle) and Mrs Bumble, or Fagin’s (the Jew) perspective. If this is something that bothers you then you will be annoyed reading this novel. Whenever the reader is most curious about Oliver Twist, Dickens would switch the narrative to another character.

The language is, of course, old school. In my Penguin Edition the meaning of some words are in the end of the novel. I was too lazy to check the explanations and it worked incredibly well for me. This could mean that I missed out on some important aspect or a joke, but I’m okay with that. It would have been better if the explanations were on the same page as the footnote because then it would be easier to read rather than going back and forth and spending more time finding the right page for the explanation than reading. This is my laziness talking, so if this doesn’t bother you then I salute you.

Some people felt bad for me that I was reading Oliver Twist because they heard it’s difficult to get through but I felt the opposite. It was pretty easy. It is supposed to be a children’s book, so maybe that is why? Sometimes it felt unenjoyable to read but that’s because I had to read 60+ pages everyday to have it finished before the exam (that’s my fault, not the novel’s).

I really enjoyed the pictures in the novel, but I felt like the illustrator made the characters look too old. It was a nice break from all the death. Imagine my shock when I see a picture of Bill Sikes on the roof and then reading what happened after. I gasped.

I did enjoy it, but it’s definitely not my favourite.

Happy Reading ❤

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Table Of Contents

Oliver Twist , novel by Charles Dickens , published serially under the pseudonym “Boz” from 1837 to 1839 in Bentley’s Miscellany and in a three-volume book in 1838. The novel was the first of the author’s works to realistically depict the impoverished London underworld and to illustrate his belief that poverty leads to crime.

The novel follows the journey of the titular character, Oliver Twist . Oliver, an orphan since birth, spends much of his childhood at a “child farm” (orphanage) with too many children and too little food. The farm is located roughly 70 miles outside London. One night, after being served his portion of gruel, Oliver asks for a second helping. This is unacceptable, and Oliver is sent to work as an apprentice to an undertaker. Eventually, after suffering repeated mistreatment, Oliver runs away and heads for London. He soon finds himself in the presence of the Artful Dodger, who tells him to stay at the house of an “old gentleman” (named Fagin ) with a number of other boys. Oliver learns that these boys are trained pickpockets. On an outing, Oliver witnesses the boys take a handkerchief from Mr. Brownlow, an elderly man, which prompts Oliver to run away in fear and confusion. The elderly man mistakes Oliver’s behaviour for guilt and has him arrested. However, after learning more about Oliver, Mr. Brownlow realizes his mistake and offers to take care of him at his home.

Portrait of young thinking bearded man student with stack of books on the table before bookshelves in the library

Oliver assumes that he is now rid of Fagin and the pickpockets, but his knowledge of their crimes causes them to seek Oliver out. Nancy, a prostitute and mistress of one of Fagin’s men, Bill Sikes , is sent to take Oliver from Mr. Brownlow back to Fagin. She does so successfully, and Oliver is sent on a burglary mission with another member of the group to the countryside around London. On this errand, Oliver is shot in the arm and then is taken in by the family (the Maylies) that he attempted to rob. While he is there, Fagin and a man named Monks plot to get him back. Rose Maylie, while on a trip to London with her family, meets with Mr. Brownlow to talk with Nancy, who has slipped away from Sikes to explain the plans made by Monks and Fagin to get Oliver back. She describes Monks and tells them when he might most easily be apprehended . Unfortunately for Nancy, news of her betrayal reaches Sikes, and he beats her to death. Sikes accidentally hangs himself soon after. The Maylies reunite Oliver with Mr. Brownlow, who forces Monks to explain himself. The reader and Oliver are then informed that Monks is Oliver’s half-brother and that Oliver is entitled to a large fortune. He receives his share of the money, Fagin is hung, and the Maylies, Oliver, and Mr. Brownlow move to the countryside where they spend the rest of their days together.

Charles Dickens was well versed in the poverty of London, as he himself was a child worker after his father was sent to debtors’ prison. His appreciation of the hardships endured by impoverished citizens stayed with him for the rest of his life and was evident in his journalistic writings and novels. Dickens began writing Oliver Twist after the adoption of the Poor Law of 1834 , which halted government payments to the able-bodied poor unless they entered workhouses . Thus, Oliver Twist became a vehicle for social criticism aimed directly at the problem of poverty in 19th-century London.

Oliver Twist was very popular when it was first published, partially because of its scandalous subject matter. It depicted crime and murder without holding back—causing it, in Victorian London, to be classed as a “ Newgate novel ” (named after Newgate Prison in London). While critics often condemned such novels as immoral, the public usually enjoyed them. Because the novel was also published serially, the anticipation of waiting for the next installment (and its many cliffhangers) also likely contributed to its popularity. To this day, Oliver Twist is enjoyed by many for its historical social commentary and exciting plotline. It has been adapted for film several times, including in 1948 (directed by David Lean ) and 2005 (directed by Roman Polanski ).

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Book Review

Oliver twist.

Charles Dickens
Adventure , Drama , Historical

Readability Age Range

Originally published by Richard Bentley in 1838.

Year Published

Oliver Twist by Charles Dickens has been reviewed by Focus on the Family’s marriage and parenting magazine .

Plot Summary

Oliver Twist is born in a workhouse (a place where the poor and homeless are provided with work and shelter) in a small town in England. Oliver’s mother dies moments after his birth, and since no one knew her name or the identity of Oliver’s father, the baby is considered an orphan and sent to a baby farm.

At the baby farm, Ms. Mann gives minimal care to the boys — underfeeding and mistreating them. When Oliver turns 9 years old, Mr. Bumble, the parish beadle (a lay official of the church who carries out various administrative duties), takes him from the baby farm to live in the workhouse and work picking oakum.

The boys in the workhouse have difficult lives, and after suffering slow starvation for months, they become desperate and draw lots to see who will ask the master for more food. The job falls to Oliver, who nervously requests more food after the next meal. The master and the board, a group of men who oversee the workhouse, are aghast at Oliver’s request. After ordering the boy into immediate confinement, they offer a reward of five pounds to anyone who will take Oliver off the parish’s hands.

An abusive chimney sweep offers to apprentice Oliver, but when Oliver begs the magistrate in charge of making the decision not to send him with the man, the magistrate denies the chimney sweep’s request. Later, an undertaker, Mr. Sowerberry, takes Oliver from the parish as an apprentice and treats him better than anyone has before. Mr. Sowerberry’s wife, however, underfeeds Oliver and treats him poorly, as does Noah Claypole, another of the undertaker’s apprentices, and Charlotte, the Sowerberrys’ maid.

Noah constantly bullies Oliver. After Oliver is promoted by Mr. Sowerberry, Noah is filled with jealously and insults Oliver’s birth mother by calling her names. In a fit of anger, Oliver throttles Noah and beats up the bigger boy. Mrs. Sowerberry and Charlotte come to Noah’s defense, restraining and beating Oliver. They convince both Mr. Sowerberry and Mr. Bumble to beat him when they arrive in the aftermath of the fight. When Oliver is sent to his room that night, he cries and decides to run away.

Oliver escapes the Sowerberry home, but after walking every day for a week, he is exhausted and starving. Oliver then meets a boy named Jack Dawkins, nicknamed the Artful Dodger. Dodger is friendly to Oliver, giving him food and offering him a place to stay in London in the home of an old gentleman. The gentleman turns out to be a man named Fagin, nicknamed the Jew, the leader of a gang of young pickpockets. Oliver naively believes the boys make wallets and handkerchiefs to support themselves.

One day, thinking they are going to make goods in a factory, Oliver asks to go with Dodger and another boy, Charley Bates. It’s only after the two boys have picked a man’s pocket that Oliver realizes what they do. Terrified, Oliver flees the scene.

When the victim, Mr. Brownlow, sees Oliver fleeing, he realizes that he has been robbed. He pursues Oliver, and an angry mob follows. Oliver is caught and taken to the magistrate, but Mr. Brownlow begins to have second thoughts about Oliver’s guilt. Just as Oliver is about to be sentenced to hard labor, a bookstall owner arrives and clears his name by telling the magistrate that he saw the other boys pick Mr. Brownlow’s pocket. By this time, Oliver is sick and passes out in the courtroom.

Mr. Brownlow takes Oliver home, and with the help of his housekeeper, Mrs. Bedwin, nurses Oliver back to health. Mr. Brownlow and Mrs. Bedwin show Oliver more kindness than he has ever experienced. In Mr. Brownlow’s house, Oliver sees a portrait of a woman, and it has a strange effect on him. Even Mr. Brownlow remarks on the resemblance between Oliver and the woman in the portrait.

Fagin is furious when Dodger and Charley return without Oliver. He throws a pot of beer at them, but it misses and hits a visitor, Bill Sikes. Sikes is a brutal thief and an associate of Fagin’s. Both men agree that they must find Oliver before he reveals their criminal operation to the authorities. They send a girl named Nancy, a member of Fagin’s gang, to the police station. She pretends to be Oliver’s distraught sister to get information on his whereabouts. The gang finds out where Oliver has been, and when the boy goes out to pay for some books for Mr. Brownlow, Nancy and Sikes kidnap him. They bring Oliver to Fagin’s hideout. The gang steals his new clothes and takes the five pounds Mr. Brownlow gave to him. Nancy feels bad for Oliver and defends him.

Determined to force Oliver into becoming a criminal, Fagin sends him to help Sikes with a burglary. Sikes tells Oliver to go through the small window of a house and open the front door for them. Sikes threatens to kill Oliver if he does not cooperate. Oliver goes into the house with the intention of warning the sleeping occupants but finds them awake instead. Oliver is shot in the arm.

Sikes helps Oliver get back through the window, but he leaves the boy in a ditch. Oliver wakes up delirious and knocks on the front door of the house he was to help rob. He ends up being taken care of by the wealthy owner, Mrs. Maylie, and her niece, Rose.

After the botched robbery, Monks, a mysterious associate Fagin has been working with, confronts Fagin and admonishes him for his inability to turn Oliver into a criminal. He would like to have Oliver thrown in jail, but he does not want to be involved if the boy is killed.

In a scheme to become master of the workhouse, Mr. Bumble marries the workhouse’s wealthy matron, but the marriage is not a happy one. After having an argument with his wife, Mr. Bumble goes to a local pub where he meets Monks. Monks questions him about Oliver, and Mr. Bumble arranges to exchange information about Oliver for money. Mrs. Bumble, who heard the deathbed confession of the nurse who delivered Oliver, tells Monks what she knows and gives him a locket and a wedding ring with the name “Agnes” engraved on it. Monks throws the jewelry in the river. Monks tells Fagin everything he learned from the Bumbles, unaware that Nancy is eavesdropping.

Feeling guilty about her involvement in Oliver’s kidnapping and determined to help the boy, Nancy goes to Rose and Mr. Brownlow to let them know that Oliver is in danger. Suspicious of Nancy’s behavior, Fagin has Noah, who by this time has stolen from Mr. Sowerberry, fled to London and now works for Fagin’s gang, spy on Nancy. Fagin learns that Nancy has secretly met with Rose and Mr. Brownlow. He tells Sikes but twists the truth to make it seem as if Nancy has informed on Sikes. In a fit of rage, Sikes beats Nancy to death. Sikes tries to hide from the police but is eventually pursued by an angry mob demanding justice. He accidentally hangs himself on a rope that he was using to escape a rooftop.

Based on the information that Nancy provided about Monks, Mr. Brownlow is able to find him and force the man to explain his relationship to Oliver. Monks is really Edward Leeford, Oliver’s half-brother. Mr. Brownlow was a close friend of Monks’ and Oliver’s father, Mr. Leeford, which is why he has a picture of Agnes (Oliver’s mother) in his house. Mr. Leeford and Monks’ mother had an arranged marriage, and although they separated, they never divorced. Mr. Leeford met and fell in love with Agnes. She became pregnant, but he died before the child was born. Mr. Leeford left a stipulation in his will that his unborn child would receive an inheritance only if he did not commit a crime. Monks has been trying to find Oliver and ruin his chances of inheriting.

Mr. Brownlow convinces Oliver to give half his inheritance to Monks, who takes it, moves to the New World, squanders it and ends up in prison where he dies. Fagin is arrested and sentenced to death for his crimes, and Noah is pardoned because he testifies against Fagin. The Bumbles admit their part in hiding Oliver’s identity, and Mr. Brownlow sees to it that they never hold public office again. The couple is disgraced, loses everything and ends up in the workhouse they once ran. Rose turns out to be Agnes’ younger sister, and therefore, Oliver’s aunt. Mr. Brownlow adopts Oliver as his son.

Christian Beliefs

Oliver’s friend Dick tells him that he will be well and happy after he is dead because he dreams of heaven, angels and kind faces that he never sees when he is awake. Dick later tells Bumble that he is happy to die young so he can be a child with his little sister, who is already in heaven.

When Rose gets sick, Mrs. Maylie tells Oliver that heaven is brighter than this world and the passage to it is speedy. She asks that God’s will be done and says that God knows how much she loves Rose. Oliver prays to heaven on several occasions. Right before Nancy is killed, she prays to her Maker for mercy.

Harry, Rose’s suitor, gives up his political ambitions and becomes a clergyman. At the end of the novel, the narrator gives thanks to that Being whose code is mercy and whose great attribute is benevolence, saying that without Him, happiness can never be attained.

Other Belief Systems

Mr. Brownlow mentions that a Turk turns his face to the east when he says his prayers.

Authority Roles

Oliver’s mother begs to see her newborn before she dies. The board of men who administer the workhouse make decisions to benefit themselves and save the church money while the poor people who depend on them starve to death. The board also plots against Oliver and wish the worst for him. One even predicts that Oliver will die by hanging.

Mr. Bumble beats Oliver with his cane. Mr. Bumble and his wife sell Monks information about Oliver and conspire to hide the boy’s true identity from him. Mr. Sowerberry, who genuinely likes Oliver, feels compelled to beat him to satisfy his wife. Fagin runs a gang of underage pickpockets and teaches Oliver how to steal.

While one magistrate listens to Oliver and refuses to turn him over to a brutal chimney sweep, another refuses to believe Oliver is innocent of a crime he did not commit and wants to sentence him to hard labor.

Mr. Brownlow believes that Oliver is innocent, trusts him and takes him into his home. Mr. Brownlow, his housekeeper, Rose and Mrs. Maylie show Oliver immense kindness.

Profanity & Violence

God’s name is taken in vain with Lor, sake, forbid, help, thank, name, so help me and thank . Other words used include d–n, h—- , and a– . Name-calling words, such as stupid and idiot are also used.

Mrs. Mann beats and starves the boys at the baby farm. Oliver is beaten at the workhouse several times, and Mr. Bumble hits him with his cane. Oliver attacks Noah and beats him up, and in turn, Oliver is restrained and beaten by Mrs. Sowerberry, Charlotte and Noah.

After Oliver is kidnapped, he attempts to escape from Fagin, who tries to beat him. Oliver is shot during a botched robbery attempt. When Sikes finds out that Nancy has been talking with Rose and Mr. Brownlow, he beats her to death while she begs for mercy. Sikes accidentally hangs himself as he tries to escape an angry mob.

Sexual Content

Mr. Bumble visits Mrs. Corney, the widowed matron of the workhouse, and kisses her. Mr. Bumble visits Mr. Sowerberry and finds Charlotte feeding Noah oysters and Noah asking for a kiss. After Noah and Charlotte leave Mr. Sowerberry and move to London, it is implied that Charlotte becomes a prostitute. It is implied that Nancy is a prostitute as well and involved in a relationship with Sikes. Oliver’s father, while separated from his first wife, has an affair with Oliver’s mother, resulting in her pregnancy.

Discussion Topics

Get free discussion questions for this book and others, at FocusOnTheFamily.com/discuss-books .

Additional Comments

Drinking: Many of the characters, both adults and juveniles, consume alcohol. While some of the drinking is medicinal, most of it is recreational. Mrs. Mann admits to putting alcohol in the babies’ milk.

Lying: Nancy lies to the police about being Oliver’s sister so she can find him. Mrs. Maylie’s servants lie to the police, saying that they cannot correctly identify the boy who was involved in the robbery. Several characters lie about Oliver to change people’s perception of him.

Movie tie-in: Producers often use a book as a springboard for a movie idea or to earn a specific rating. Because of this, a movie may differ from the novel. To better understand how this book and the movie differ, compare the book review with Plugged In’s movie review for Oliver Twist .

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Oliver Twist

Charles Dicken | 4.13 | 320,726 ratings and reviews

Ranked #8 in London , Ranked #8 in Victorian — see more rankings .

Reviews and Recommendations

We've comprehensively compiled reviews of Oliver Twist from the world's leading experts.

Audrey Penn I’m going to go with Oliver Twist. I was raised on all of these books, but I loved Oliver Twist. I have always believed that people, no matter how bad they are, when they see a really good kid in trouble, they’re going to help. (Source)

Chigozie Obioma One day he had this radical idea that, if you want something, you can actually make a demand on life. (Source)

Ann Widdecombe Oliver is a boy who has escaped the workhouse and is adopted by a family of pickpockets. He’s the exception – because he’s being manipulated by the grownups… (Source)

Rankings by Category

Oliver Twist is ranked in the following categories:

#39 in Broadway
#91 in Bucket List
#56 in Classic
#72 in Classical
#16 in English Writer
#14 in Free e-Book
#84 in Gift
#99 in High School Reading
#82 in Holiday Reading
#43 in Leather
#74 in Leather Bound
#73 in Literature
#98 in Novel
#67 in Online
#21 in Penguin Classics
#97 in Poster
#28 in Poverty
#25 in Project Gutenberg
#29 in Public Domain
#20 in Twist
#71 in Twisted
#90 in University
#68 in Used

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Review: ‘Oliver Twist’ – Charles Dickens 1838

Set in the darkest corners of London Oliver Twist is a scathing critique of class divisions and the inhuman treatment of England’s poorest individuals.

Overall I enjoyed Oliver Twist. It was not what I expected. All I knew of it was the famous ‘please Sir can I have some more?’ line, and from that I assumed it was going to be a story set in an orphanage, which was true of the beginning but not of the majority of the tale. Instead the focus was on the people and conflicts around Oliver, an orphan with a mysterious past. There was robbery, arson, murder, betrayal and lies abound, and the story was far darker than I anticipated.

When reading classic novels I am always interested in examining representations of women. Throughout Oliver Twist women were presented as agents of temperance and guidance, and as life givers and manipulators. They were repeatedly referred to as being smarter or more clever than men, and yet none had any real power within the story. I found this deeply frustrating, as a modern reader, to see that women had so little agency.

One thing that I had a love/hate relationship with was the chapter titles. Many chapter titles are exceedingly long and gave details about what is to come in the chapter ahead. Sometimes they made me laugh, other times I was annoyed that they spoiled what was to come. For example one especially long one was:

“In which Oliver is taken better care of, than he ever was before, and in which the narrative reverts to the merry old gentleman and his youthful friends.”

Dickens’ habit of long reflective or recapping paragraphs at the beginning of chapters was also painful to read at times. However when you realise that it was written and published as a serial in a newspaper the style of chapter titles and introduction sections makes a lot more sense. It just doesn’t read like a typical novel in structure, and I did wonder if Dickens had even plotted out the entire thing when it was first published, as some characters seemed to shift their attitudes (perhaps in response to readers’ opinions) and the story really stagnates in the middle for quite a few chapters.

Dickens’ writing can be quite wordy in places, but there are some exquisite quotes to be pulled out that are so beautifully crafted I had to read them over and over. My two favourite examples are:

“[People] such as I, who have no certain roof but the coffin lid”

“…and, flying from memory and himself, plunged into the thickest of the throng.”

They both express complex situations – a prostitute with no hope for her future, and a murderer in the throes of guilt – and have stuck with me as markers of the emotional layers of this book.

There is also a lot of humour woven throughout the story. Dickens pokes fun at the clergy and administrators of the workhouses, along with corrupt police officers and judges, and an assortment of other characters who grace the pages. There is also plenty of humour in the little moments, such as this literary dig:

“There are books of which the backs and covers are by far the best parts”

Despite its flaws I enjoyed Oliver Twist. It’s an important novel in the evolution of social justice ‘campaigning’ via fiction, as well as a timely reminder that all human are just that, human, and worthy of both kindness and respect.

And remember, if you are ever tempted to utter a phrase like this: “he went away; and he did die in the streets. There’s an obstinate pauper for you!” it’s probably time to read Dickens again.

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Charles Dickens draw a realistic situation of women of the time. Mainly speaking about prostitutes and others living miserable lives. I really love how deep are the women as characters in this book. Like Nancy (such a complex character). The contrast between Nancy (a wretched girl since birth) and Miss Maylie (who was rescued from misery in childhood and had a total different life). You see how absurd was the line that devided riches and poors, men and women.

Book Review: Oliver Twist by Charles Dickens

November 29, 2011 By Jessica Filed Under: Book Review 3 Comments

Oliver Twist

The story of the orphan Oliver, who runs away from the workhouse only to be taken in by a den of thieves, shocked readers when it was first published. Dickens's tale of childhood innocence beset by evil depicts the dark criminal underworld of a London peopled by vivid and memorable characters—the arch-villain Fagin, the artful Dodger, the menacing Bill Sikes and the prostitute Nancy

Oliver Twist is a social satire that criticizes Victorian England. Some of his criticisms of society could still apply today. It was more graphic and violent than I thought it would be. Dickens writes the best characters I’ve ever read. Even the minor characters have personalities and flaws. Dickens has this way of narrating that makes you feel so connected to the characters and makes you care about them a lot.

August Rush , the movie, was a great retelling of Oliver Twist and now that I’ve read the book, I can see even more similarities (the biggest similarity – he runs away from an orphanage and gets picked up by a band of musicians that reminds me a lot of the band of thieves in Oliver Twist ). Oliver Twist was not really a page turner, but it was the easiest novel of Dickens that I’ve read yet. The ending felt a little contrived to me, but I felt so moved by all of the characters through the rest of the novel that I didn’t mind very much. I can see why this novel was shocking at the time it was published. Dickens sheds light on things that people just didn’t like talking about back then and nothing is black and white.

Content Rating : Mild , for some violence that made me squirm a bit and abuse to kids.

About Charles Dickens

A prolific 19th Century author of short stories, plays, novellas, novels, fiction and non; during his lifetime Dickens became known the world over for his remarkable characters, his mastery of prose in the telling of their lives, and his depictions of the social classes, morals and values of his times. Some considered him the spokesman for the poor, for he definitely brought much awareness to their plight, the downtrodden and the have-nots. He had his share of critics, like Virginia Woolf and Henry James, but also many admirers, even into the 21st Century.

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Oliver Twist

The Social Eye of Morality

Author: Charles Dickens

Famous for the “please sir, I want some more” line Oliver Twist is the classic story of a young, orphaned boy growing up in the workhouses of rural England where gentle society, religious figures, and the powers that be oppress him merely for being born poor and illegitimate. A biting satire, not afraid to get into the realism of desperation, Oliver Twist journeys from the tribulations of the work house to the London slums where Oliver is held captive by a gang of thieves, told to either learn the trade or die. Jostled between the need to survive and his innate, innocent desire to do good, Oliver’s achingly poignant story is embroiled in the life of paupers, prostitutes, murderers, and the society that forces them to desperate measures. Dicken’s twisted humor cuts to the bone, his commentary is deeply effecting, and all the while he keeps the thrum and measure of an addicting story. Tense and dangerous, Oliver Twist isn’t the stuffy old classic you thought it would be, but instead a dark, often sordid story unafraid to look into the nooks and crannies of neglected cities and broken lives.

Beginning, as many of Dicken’s novels do, with the birth of the protagonist (Oliver) the story follows him from infancy to adulthood, only swerving at the conclusion to concentrate on the gang of thieves, run by the old criminal, Fagin, and the way in which their circumstances and forced corruption shape their destruction. Continually starved at the workhouse, Oliver is eventually thrust out (after requesting more gruel) into apprenticeship with a coffin maker (Mr. Sowerberry.) From here, the abuse escalates both physically and mentally and Oliver, stuck between the gallows and workhouse, flees to London, bathing in the anonymity of the city and the rumors of work for a willing lad. His own naivety soon leads him to be picked up by The Artful Dodger, a charismatic child thief Oliver’s own age, who ostensibly takes pity on a starving orphan and brings him home to Fagin, a deceitful man determined to rob all of those with whom he comes in contact. The inhuman Fagin with his continual application of “my dear” embodies all that is detestable yet irresistible about villainy and soon has Oliver thoroughly deceived. However, when Oliver is falsely accused of picking pockets, his newfound understanding leads to a desire to flee the gang of thieves and escape into a better life. Events spiral dangerously, launching volatile secrets to the surface about Oliver’s background, true parentage, and intended future. Meanwhile, Bill Sykes, a housebreaker accomplice of Fagin’s, has taken a keen interest in the boy and with the assistance of his presumed girlfriend (also thief/probably prostitute) Nancy, and hatches a scheme to drag Oliver back to the streets and into a life of infamy and terror. Should Oliver refuse, Sykes is always ready to make good on his escalating threats of physical violence.

A visceral novel, Oliver Twist while beautifully and eloquently written, is all about the story and the intense emotions elicited by the resulting depravity of an underclass desperate to survive. Examining the cause and effect relationships of callous superiority and the integrity of alleged social convention/position, Dicken’s critique here is made with bitter, bloody blows. Not ashamed to unveil the uglier aspects of life, and indeed death, Oliver’s story is an intensely personal one that, thereby, becomes universal. Dicken’s captures the despair and goodness of Oliver, projecting his own inner fears, uncertainties, and oppression in a cadence that breaks down barriers and transforms pages into thoughts and soul longings, touching readers in a manner that is more than just story. Dicken’s has always had this unique art at his beck and call, and Oliver Twist is one of his most shining examples of creating and peopling a world that will leave readers simultaneously laughing, crying, and deeply moved.

The cast of villains in Oliver Twist is exceptional including the chilling and volatile Sykes, who serves to deliver the most horror to a story already verging on the catastrophic. The final scene between Sykes and Nancy, and Fagin’s clever manipulation of the two, is a testament to Dicken’s great understanding of situational realities (such as the desperation of Stockholm syndrome and the platitudes of those who appear overly loyal – i.e. Fagin.) Indeed, the cast of villains, large as it is, becomes a sort of sordid family for us and in the later part of the novel Oliver, with all of his haunted history, steps aside to let us see the workings of good and evil in these desperate albeit all too realistic phantoms. Dickens has a lot to say here about the very nature of good and evil, and the inability to separate the two using the social eye. Even more so, he has a lot for us to feel here and satisfies the yearning for drama in story while simultaneously plucking the audience’s still beating hearts out. Everything is saturated with selfishness and selflessness, enclosure and escape, guilt and justification, and above it all, the secret of Oliver’s birth which ties everything into one and spells what can only be a bittersweet ending. Dicken’s even thwarts his society further with forgiveness and a disdain of the entire illegitimate stigma and the sins of the fathers visited on the sons theory of the day. It’s powerful and realistic, vicious with vicarious terrors and an entire “there but for the grace of God go I” sentiment. One of Dicken’s most moving works, Oliver Twist is not to be missed for both the beauty of its engaging presentation and the messages it purveys.

*A Note on Edition: I listened to the Books on Tape audio version as read by John Lee. Lee captures the voice, intonations, and London accents of the characters perfectly and peoples this already vibrant world in a way that supersedes mere reading and becomes a production. A very talented voice actor, Lee’s rendition of this classic should not be missed.

– Frances Carden

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Oliver Twist: A Timeless Tale of Hope, Resilience, and Redemption

Charles Dickens’ iconic novel Oliver Twist is one of the most beloved stories of all time. Set in London in the 1830s, it follows the life of the young orphan Oliver as he navigates the grim and poverty-ridden streets of the city.

Through his struggles, Oliver displays remarkable resilience and hope, eventually finding redemption and justice.

This timeless tale of courage and perseverance continues to inspire readers to this day.

Table of Contents

The Story of Oliver Twist

Charles Dickens’s Oliver Twist is a captivating tale that takes readers on a gripping journey through the dark underbelly of 19th-century London.

A workhouse

The story begins with the birth of Oliver Twist in a workhouse, where he is immediately orphaned and thrust into a life of poverty and desperation.

From the very beginning, Dickens sets the tone for the hardships and injustices that Oliver will face.

As Oliver grows up in the workhouse, he endures a series of misfortunes and abuse. He is eventually sold into apprenticeship to an undertaker, but he escapes and sets off for London.

It is in this sprawling city that Oliver encounters a motley crew of characters, including the artful Dodger and the manipulative Fagin, who lead him into a life of crime as a member of their pickpocketing gang.

This turn of events forces Oliver to confront the seedy underbelly of London and the harsh reality of his own circumstances.

Throughout the story, Oliver’s inherent goodness and purity shine through, even in the face of overwhelming adversity.

He remains kind-hearted and hopeful, even when surrounded by deceit and cruelty. This unwavering spirit attracts the attention of Mr.

Brownlow, a kind and compassionate man, who takes Oliver under his wing and provides him with a chance at a better life.

The plot of Oliver Twist takes many unexpected twists and turns, but ultimately, it is a story of redemption and justice.

Oliver’s journey from a destitute orphan to a beloved member of society is a testament to the power of resilience and the importance of remaining true to oneself.

Dickens’ masterful storytelling and vivid descriptions paint a vivid picture of 19th-century London, bringing the reader right into the heart of the city and its inhabitants.

The characters are richly drawn, each with their own quirks and motivations, and the themes of poverty, social injustice, and the search for identity resonate with readers of all ages.

Oliver Twist remains a timeless tale that continues to captivate audiences with its compelling narrative and memorable characters.

Its message of hope, resilience, and redemption transcends time and continues to inspire readers to this day.

Characters of Oliver Twist

Charles Dickens’ Oliver Twist is filled with a diverse and intriguing cast of characters that bring the story to life.

Each character, whether hero or villain, adds depth and complexity to the narrative, making the reader emotionally invested in their fates.

Eponymous character

First and foremost, there is the eponymous character himself, Oliver Twist. As a young orphan, Oliver’s innocence and goodness shine through, even in the face of adversity.

His resilience and unwavering hope make him a truly endearing protagonist.

From his humble beginnings in the workhouse to his eventual transformation into a beloved member of society, Oliver’s journey is one of self-discovery and redemption.

Infamous Fagin

Alongside Oliver is the infamous Fagin, the manipulative leader of a pickpocketing gang.

Fagin’s cunning and deceitful nature make him one of the most memorable characters in the novel.

He preys on the vulnerability of young orphans like Oliver, exploiting their desperate circumstances for his own gain. Fagin represents the dark underbelly of society, the embodiment of corruption and exploitation.

Artful Dodger

Another key character is the Artful Dodger, a skilled pickpocket and member of Fagin’s gang.

Despite his criminal activities, the Dodger possesses a certain charm and wit that make him irresistible to both the reader and Oliver.

His quick thinking and street-smarts add an element of adventure to the story, and his eventual redemption offers hope for change and growth.

Mr. Brownlow, a kind and compassionate man who takes Oliver under his wing, represents the embodiment of goodness and righteousness in the novel.

He serves as a stark contrast to the darker characters, providing a glimmer of hope and a beacon of light in Oliver’s life.

His belief in Oliver’s inherent goodness and his determination to protect and guide him are truly heartwarming.

There are many other notable characters in Oliver Twist, each playing a significant role in shaping the story.

From the cruel and abusive Sowerberries to the virtuous Nancy, Dickens paints a vivid and multi-dimensional portrait of 19th-century London.

Through these characters, he explores themes of poverty, social injustice, and the search for identity.

Themes Explored in Oliver Twist

Oliver Twist, Charles Dickens’ iconic novel, delves deep into a multitude of themes that continue to resonate with readers today.

From the very beginning, Dickens immerses us in the harsh realities of poverty, social injustice, and the search for identity.

Through the eyes of Oliver, it explores these themes and is forced to confront the injustices that were prevalent in 19th-century London.

Stark divide

One of the central themes in Oliver Twist is the stark divide between the rich and the poor.

Dickens vividly portrays the stark contrast between the opulence and privilege of the upper class and the destitution and desperation of the lower class.

He shines a harsh light on the disparities in society, exposing the cruelty and indifference of the wealthy towards the plight of the poor.

This theme serves as a powerful critique of the social inequality and the lack of empathy that was prevalent during the Victorian era.

Corrupting influence

Another theme explored in Oliver Twist is the corrupting influence of greed and power.

Fagin, the manipulative leader of the pickpocketing gang, represents the embodiment of corruption and exploitation.

He preys on the vulnerability of young orphans like Oliver, turning them into criminals for his own gain.

Dickens exposes the morally bankrupt nature of individuals like Fagin, who exploit the less fortunate for personal profit.

Hope and redemption

Furthermore, Oliver Twist delves into the themes of hope and redemption.

Despite the overwhelming adversity he faces, Oliver remains inherently good and hopeful throughout his journey.

His resilience and unwavering spirit serve as a beacon of hope in a world plagued by darkness and despair.

Through Oliver’s transformation from a destitute orphan to a beloved member of society, Dickens highlights the power of resilience and the potential for redemption.

Lastly, Dickens explores the theme of identity in Oliver Twist. As an orphan, Oliver grapples with questions of where he comes from and who he truly is.

He navigates through a world filled with deceit and false identities, searching for his own place in society.

Through Oliver’s quest for identity, Dickens raises questions about the importance of self-discovery and the role that society plays in shaping one’s identity.

In Oliver Twist, Charles Dickens delves into these timeless themes, inviting readers to examine the injustices of society.

Reflect on the power of resilience and hope, and contemplate the complexities of identity.

Through his masterful storytelling, Dickens sparks a sense of empathy and compels us to take a closer look at the world around us.

A Look at the Author, Charles Dickens

Charles Dickens, the author of the timeless classic Oliver Twist, was a literary genius who had a profound impact on the world of literature.

Born in 1812, Dickens experienced a turbulent childhood marked by financial struggles and family hardships.

His father’s imprisonment for debt left a lasting impression on him and greatly influenced his later works, including Oliver Twist.

Dickens’s own experiences with poverty and social injustice served as a driving force behind his writing.

His vivid descriptions and poignant storytelling shed light on the plight of the poor and the injustices they faced in 19th century England.

Oliver Twist, with its gritty depiction of the harsh realities of life for the less fortunate, is a testament to Dickens’ keen observation and his ability to bring social issues to the forefront.

Despite his difficult upbringing, Dickens developed a passion for storytelling from a young age.

His works, including Oliver Twist, are characterized by his richly drawn characters, vivid descriptions, and sharp social commentary.

Dickens writing

Through his writing, Dickens sought to expose the societal problems of his time and spark a sense of empathy and compassion in his readers.

Dickens’ impact on literature cannot be overstated. His works continue to resonate with readers of all ages, and Oliver Twist remains one of his most beloved and enduring novels.

His influence extends far beyond the pages of his books, with his characters and themes inspiring countless adaptations, plays, and films.

In addition to his literary achievements, Dickens was also a social reformer who campaigned for various causes, including children’s rights and education.

Storytelling

His commitment to social change is evident in his works, which often shed light on the struggles of the less fortunate and advocate for a more just and equitable society.

Charles Dickens’ legacy as one of the greatest writers of the Victorian era and beyond is firmly cemented.

His unique storytelling style, combined with his ability to capture the human condition with both compassion and realism, has made him a literary icon.

Oliver Twist stands as a testament to his enduring legacy, reminding us of the power of literature to shed light on the injustices of the world and inspire change.

Oliver Twist’s Legacy and Popularity Today

Oliver Twist, Charles Dickens’ timeless masterpiece, continues to captivate and inspire readers around the world to this day.

Since its publication in 1838, the novel has left an indelible mark on literature and popular culture, solidifying its place as one of the most beloved stories of all time.

Relatability

One of the reasons for Oliver Twist’s enduring popularity is its relatability. Despite being set in 19th-century London, the themes of poverty, social injustice.

And the search for identity are still relevant today. Dickens’ powerful storytelling and vivid descriptions.

Paint a picture of a society plagued by inequality and cruelty, shining a light on the struggles of the less fortunate.

Through Oliver’s journey, readers are compelled to confront the injustices that still exist in the world, sparking empathy and a desire for change.

Memorable and multi-dimensional characters

Another reason for the novel’s enduring legacy is its memorable and multi-dimensional characters.

From the kind-hearted Oliver to the manipulative Fagin, each character adds depth and complexity to the narrative.

They resonate with readers because they reflect the complexities of human nature and the different facets of society.

These characters have become archetypes, influencing countless adaptations, plays, and films, further solidifying the legacy of Oliver Twist.

A profound influence on the literary

Furthermore, Oliver Twist has had a profound influence on the literary world. Dickens’ unique storytelling style and social commentary paved the way for future generations of writers.

His use of vivid imagery and memorable characters set a precedent for character-driven narratives and themes of social justice.

Many authors have drawn inspiration from Oliver Twist, incorporating its themes and motifs into their own works. Beyond literature, Oliver Twist’s impact can be seen in other forms of media.

Countless adaptations have been produced, from stage plays to film adaptations, ensuring that the story reaches new audiences with each new interpretation.

The enduring popularity of Oliver Twist is a testament to its universal themes and timeless appeal.

Beyond literature, Oliver Twist’s impact can be seen in other forms of media.

Its message of hope, resilience, and the power of goodness in the face of adversity resonates with readers of all ages and backgrounds.

Oliver Twist serves as a reminder that even in the darkest of times, there is always a glimmer of light and the possibility of change.

Its impact on literature, popular culture, and society as a whole cannot be overstated.

As long as there are people who yearn for justice and compassion, Oliver Twist will continue to be celebrated and cherished for generations to come.

Its legacy serves as a reminder that storytelling has the power to change hearts, challenge norms, and inspire social change.

Whether read for pure entertainment or as a reflection of societal issues, Oliver Twist remains a testament to the enduring power of literature and the lasting impact it can have on our lives.

Dickens’ Life and Inspiration

Charles Dickens, the mastermind behind Oliver Twist, was a literary genius whose own life experiences greatly influenced his writing.

Dickens’ personal experiences with poverty and social injustice served as a driving force behind his storytelling.

He witnessed firsthand the inequalities and injustices faced by the less fortunate in 19th-century England, and his writing shed light on these issues.

Spark empathy and compassion

Through Oliver Twist, with its gritty portrayal of the hardships faced by the poor, Dickens aimed to spark empathy and compassion in his readers.

Despite his difficult upbringing, Dickens nurtured a passion for storytelling from a young age.

His works, including Oliver Twist, are characterized by richly drawn characters, vivid descriptions, and sharp social commentary.

Through his writing, Dickens sought to expose the societal problems of his time and advocate for social change.

Resonate with readers of all ages

Dickens’ impact on literature cannot be overstated. His stories continue to resonate with readers of all ages, and Oliver Twist remains one of his most beloved novels.

His influence extends beyond the pages of his books, with adaptations of Oliver Twist in various forms captivating audiences for generations.

Dickens’ ability to capture the human condition with both compassion and realism has solidified his status as a literary icon.

In addition to his literary achievements, Dickens was also a social reformer who campaigned for causes such as children’s rights and education.

Social change

His commitment to social change is evident in his works, which shed light on the struggles faced by the less fortunate and advocate for a more just and equitable society.

Another is thing is his unique storytelling style, combined with his ability to shine a light on societal issues, continues to inspire readers and provoke thought.

So, his depiction of poverty, injustice, and the struggles of the lower class in Oliver Twist continues to resonate with readers today.

Dickens’ ability to humanize his characters and bring their stories to life not only entertained readers but also educated them about the harsh realities of Victorian society.

His works prompted discussions about social reform and inspired people to take action. Dickens’ impact can still be felt in contemporary literature and social activism, as his stories continue to inspire empathy and compassion in readers.

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I’ve not read the book as I don’t really read classics but love the film.

I see! Thank you for reading and sharing your thoughts.

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Oliver Twist

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Oliver Twist

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Welcome to the LitCharts study guide on Charles Dickens's Oliver Twist . Created by the original team behind SparkNotes, LitCharts are the world's best literature guides.

Oliver Twist: Introduction

Oliver twist: plot summary, oliver twist: detailed summary & analysis, oliver twist: themes, oliver twist: quotes, oliver twist: characters, oliver twist: symbols, oliver twist: literary devices, oliver twist: theme wheel, brief biography of charles dickens.

Historical Context of Oliver Twist

Other books related to oliver twist.

Full Title: Oliver Twist, or, The Parish Boy's Progress
When Written: Written serially, February 1837 to April 1839
Where Written: London, England
When Published: February 1837 to April 1839; revised 1847
Literary Period: Victorian
Genre: Victorian social novel; Bildungsroman (novel of education); novel of morality
Setting: London, England, and the countryside surrounding, 1830s
Climax: Oliver is shot by a servant of the Maylies; he recovers under their care, and begins the process of learning his true parentage
Antagonist: Monks and Fagin
Point of View: third-person omniscient

Extra Credit for Oliver Twist

Musical adaptation. Many have come to know the general story of Oliver Twist via the musical Oliver! , which premiered in 1960 in London, and which was made into a successful motion picture in 1968. The musical retains many of the characters made most famous in the novel, including Fagin and the Artful Dodger.

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Book Review: Oliver Twist, Charles Dickens

After Oliver Twist asks nasty Mr Bumble for more food, he has to flee the workhouse for the streets of London. Here he meets the Artful Dodger, who leads him to Fagin and his gang of pickpockets. When a thieving mission goes wrong, Oliver narrowly avoids prison and finds himself in the care of kind Mr Brownlow. But Fagin and the brutal Bill Sikes go in search of the young orphan, determined to drag him back. . .

Some people are nobody’s enemies but their own.

I know Oliver Twist , of course I do. Doesn’t everyone know Oliver Twist ?

Fagin. Sykes. The Artful Dodger.

“Please sir, could I have some more?”

Of course I know Oliver Twist . I teach English Literature. I have an MA from Cambridge University in English Literature. Obviously , I know Oliver Twist.

Turns out, I did not know Oliver Twist . I had never read it. Never.

Also, as it turns out, it is bloody brilliant! I guess it depends on how thick you like your irony – because it is applied thickly in this novel – but I loved it. And it is much darker than I imagined.

Plotwise, yes, I was basically aware of the bones of the plot: orphan boy Oliver is born into the workhouse and, abused by the institution in the shape of Mr Bumble and the board, he flees to London where he meets The Artful Dodger, Fagin and his band of child crooks.

But there is so much more!

What I didn’t remember – or what had not been captured in the film versions I’ve seen – was just how sinister (and uncomfortably, horrifically anti-Semitic) the characterisation of Fagin was. Behind every “my dear” was a sneering manipulation – he came across actually very modern in that manipulation: were it re-set to today, Fagin would be the spider at the heart of a County Lines ring. And much of what he does echoes exactly those strategies used today: vulnerable children, out of education, isolated from support, groomed, trapped by committing petty crimes to having no escape from the bigger demands. He was genuinely chilling.

And the supporting characters in London – Nancy whose instinctual empathy for Oliver conflicted with her love for Bill Sikes; Sikes’ own isolation and self-hatred caused by the violence of his nature; the Artful Dodger’s exuberant, precocious loquacity. These were surprisingly – shockingly – complex and developed characters. And the echoes of the relationships between Sikes and Nancy, and Sikes and his dog – both dependent, fearful, anxious, loving… and both Nancy and Sikes’ and his dog’s deaths were genuinely moving and touching. For me, in fact, they were the some of the best parts of the novel.

And the plotting was exquisite. Every character that we met became significant if not critical to the plot. Yes, it strained credulity a little that every time Oliver was sent out to commit a crime – a pickpocketting or a house breaking – it introduced him to a benevolent character who took him in, and turned out to be a relative. Yet, somehow, the charm of Oliver himself and the wit of Dickens allowed me to swallow that incredulity and put it to one side.

What did irk me a little was, actually, Oliver. He was charming and endearing, yes, but also unremittingly good, to the point of being just a little saccharine. Whilst Nancy was complex and tragic, struggling to do what is right despite every disadvantage of her youth, gender, class, lack of education as well as her own complex emotional ties, Oliver was simply good. It is the same trouble I have with Tiny Tim in A Christmas Carol : these characters are anodyne, insipid, two dimensional. And I understand that he is a foil to all the other underworld characters, but even so as a character he did not grip in the same way that, as a literary device, he did mainly work.

I also had issues with the second aspect of the novel, the mystery / detective element as Oliver’s new friends – Mr Brownlow, Rose Maylie and Mr Losberne – seek to discover the truth of his parentage, whilst Sikes and Fagin try to keep it buried. Does his role as this working class paragon despite having no advantage or privilege work, when we discover that he was a gentleman’s son after all…? Does it not detract from what we all know to be Dickens’ deep sympathy with the poor and his dissatisfaction with The Poor Laws that the only ‘good’ characters are those born with advantage, genetic if not pecuniary? No apologies for that spoiler, by the way: this book is nearly 200 years old – even if I hadn’t read it before!

All in all, this was a fantastic read, albeit perhaps a little mired in its own time.

What I Liked

The humour: thickly ironic, especially of the institituion of the workhouses, the Poor Laws and Mr Bumble and the Board.
The complexity of many of the characters and their relationships.
The tragedy of Nancy’s and Sikes’ deaths – and, appallingly, Sikes’ dog’s death.
Mr Grimwig – a ridiculous, typically Dickensian, buffoon with the tendency to “eat my head”, I did find him oddly endearing.

What Could Have Been Different

Oliver himself could have been fleshed out, rounded out, made more credible as a character.
Fagin is hard to read as anything other than a racist stereotype and there is only so much that “a story of its time” can forgive: Shakespeare’s Shylock was less problematic (but still not without his own issues)
The ‘good’ characters were all rather uninspiring, sweet and trusting, which made their sudden shift into detectives seeking out and interrogating Monks rather unconvincing.

Characters:

Plot / pace:, worldbuilding:, page count:.

Penguin Classics

1837 – 1839

Amazon , Publisher

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Book: Oliver Twist by Charles Dickens

Oliver Twist; or, The Parish Boy's Progress, is the second novel by English author Charles Dickens. It was originally published as a serial from 1837 to 1839 and as a three-volume book in 1838. --- Wikipedia

Originally published: 1838
Author: Charles Dickens
Characters: Fagin, Artful Dodger, Bill Sikes, Mr. Bumble, Nancy
Genres: Novel, Fiction, Social novel
Followed by: Nicholas Nickleby
Illustrator: George Cruikshank
Original title: Oliver Twist; or, The Parish Boy's Progress

Author's Preface/ Catalog

Chapter 1 Concerning the Place and Situations of Oliver Twist's Birth
Chapter 2 Concerning Oliver Twist's Growth, Education, and Dining Ster almost got a job, but it was by no means an idle job.
Chapter 3 Oliver Twist Twist almost got a job, but it is by no means an idle job.
Chapter 4 Oliver, who has other careers, steps into society for the first time.
In Chapter 5, Oliver deals with new acquaintances. The first time he attended the funeral, he had a bad impression of his master's industry.
Chapter 6 Oliver's ridicule of Noah provoked him to stand up and resist, which surprised Noah.
Chapter 7 Oliver still did not give in.
Chapter 8 Oliver Liver walked up to London. On the way, he met a curious little gentleman.
Chapter 9. This chapter gives some further details about the dear old gentleman and his promising students.
Chapter 10. What Oliver did to his new companions. He gained a deeper understanding; he gained experience at a high price. This chapter is short, but it is of the utmost importance in the book.
Chapter 11 introduces Mr. Finn, the Justice of the Peace, and gives a glimpse of the way he enforces the law.
Chapter 12 Oliver is taken care of like never before. The author returns to the account of the merry old gentleman and his apprentice.
Chapter 13 introduces some newcomers to the intelligent reader, with a few interesting incidents connected with life.
Chapter 14 further relates Oliver's stay at Mr. Brownlow's, and while he was away on errands Mr. Greenwig made a remarkable prophecy for him.
Chapter 15 This chapter shows how fond the jolly old Jew and Miss Nancy were of Oliver Twist
Chapter 16 shows the state of Oliver Twist after Nancy took him back
Chapter 17 Fate continues to oppose Oliver and brings a great man to London to discredit him
Chapter 18 How Oliver passed his days among those good teachers and good friends
Chapter 19 A marvelous plan was discussed and settled in this chapter
Chapter 20 Oliver was handed over to Mr. Bill Sikes
Chapter 21 Chapter 22 Burglars Chapter 23 This Chapter Contains the Gist of a Pleasant Conversation Between Mr. Bumble and a Lady, Showing Even a Rector's Passion at Certain Points.
Chapter 24 This Chapter Contains A very good exterminator, but not too long, perhaps of some importance in this book.
Chapter 25 The author goes back to explain the situation of Mr. Fagan and his party.
Chapter 26 In this chapter there is a mysterious character enters the scene and many events that are inseparable from the biography. What happened to Foo, and what happened to him,
Chapter 27 Amends a previous chapter for leaving a lady aside with great impoliteness
Chapter 28 See what has become of Oliver and continue his story
Chapter 29. The family to which Oliver went for help.
Chapter 30. The impression Oliver made on new visitors.
Chapter 31. Chapter 32 : Oliver begins a happy life with good friends
Chapter 33 The Happiness of Oliver and His Friends Is Unexpectedly Frustrated
Chapter 34 This chapter contains an account of a young gentleman who is about to appear and another of Oliver's adventures
Chapter 35 This chapter contains the inconclusive results of Oliver's adventure and Harry's ·An important conversation between Meri and Luzi
Chapter 36 This chapter is extremely short, and it may seem irrelevant here, but it should be read, because it is the continuation of the previous chapter, and it is also the time when readers will read it.
Chapter 37 In which the reader may observe the unusual phenomenon of pre-marriage and post-marriage conditions
Chapter 38 tells the story of the evening meeting between the Bumbles and the Monks.
Chapter 39 re-enters some respectable characters already known to the reader, and then sees how Monks and the old Jew conspired.
Chapter 40 A Strange Meeting Continuing Closely with the Previous
Chapter 41. This chapter contains several new discoveries and shows that the unexpected often follow one another, just as misfortunes never come singly.
Chapter 42. An old acquaintance of Oliver shows Unmistakable traits of genius and suddenly became an important person in the capital.
Chapter 43 This chapter is about how the elusive clever ghost got into trouble.
Chapter 44 When Nancy was due to meet Louie Merry, she couldn't make it
Chapter 45 Noah Crepole Hired to Carry Out a Secret Mission for Fagan Chapter 46 Appointment
Chapter 46 Appointment
Chapter 47 Fatal Consequences
Chapter 48 Thicke Escaping
Chapter 49 Monks and Mr. Brownlow finally meet. Their conversation and the news that interrupted it
Chapter 50 The Pursuit and Escape
Chapter 51 This chapter will solve many mysteries and negotiate a marriage without mentioning the money
Chapter 52 The Old Jew is Alive The last night of
Chapter 53 and the last chapter .

About the Author: Charles Dickens

Charles John Huffham Dickens, British writer. Born on February 7, 1812, in the suburbs of Portsmouth, died on June 9, 1870, at Gates Hill near Rochester. 19th-century British critical realist novelist.

Dickens paid special attention to describing the life experiences of the "little people" living at the bottom of British society, which profoundly reflected the complicated social reality in Britain at that time, and made outstanding contributions to the pioneering and development of British critical realism literature.

His works are still popular today and have had a profound impact on the development of English literature.

His main works are The Pickwick Papers, Oliver Twist, The Old Curio Shop, Hard Times, Great Expectations, A Tale of Two Cities, and Our Mutual Friend.

Charles Dickens's father lived an intemperate life and was heavily in debt. The young Dickens was forced to be sent to a leather shoe polish shop as an apprentice and suffered a lot of hardships.

When Dickens was 16, his father was imprisoned for debt. Since then, their lives have become more miserable.

On the one hand, the Industrial Revolution brought prosperity to the British metropolises in the early nineteenth century, and on the other hand, it brought about the extreme poverty of the common people and the cruel exploitation of child labor.

The sharp social contradictions and unfair social system made Dickens determined to change his life. At the age of 15, Dickens worked as a scribe in a law firm and learned shorthand.

After that, he worked as a journalist in a newspaper. When he was a reporter at the "Morning Chronicle", Dickens began to publish some satirical and humorous short plays, mainly reflecting life in London and gradually gained fame.

He understands the life and customs of the people at the bottom of the city, which are reflected in his passionate writing.

Since then, he has served as editor, editor-in-chief, and publisher of different magazines, during which he has published dozens of novels and short stories.

His main works include Oliver Twist, A Christmas Carol, and David Copperfield. and "Great Expectations".

Most of Dickens' works are based on events related to his own personal experience or what he saw and heard.

In the book, he exposed the appalling living system in the workhouse, uncovered the terrible secrets of the bottom of British society, and vividly described the darkness and evil of the society.

From the beginning of the book, the protagonist Oliver was born as an orphan and lived a miserable life in a poor house.

Later, he was forced to work as an apprentice in a funeral parlor and ran away from home because of the unbearable abuse. After coming to London alone, he fell into the hands of thieves again.

In his works, Dickens described a lot of dark social reality, placed deep affection on the common people, and ruthlessly criticized the social system at that time.

He has outstanding achievements in the reality of novel description and the personalization of characters. After Shakespeare, he created the most characters in his works.

Oliver Twist's Book Summary

Oliver Twist is Dickens' second novel and one of his best works in the early stage of creation.

"It wasn't fashionable to write novels that reflected the sad realities of life, but Dickens set out to shock his readers."

The novel shows us Oliver Twist Jr., an orphan in a world of poverty and crime, how to be devastated by the horror and violence hidden in the small, dirty back streets of London, and how to get the warm care of some well-meaning people like spring.

All the characters appearing here represent a profound humanity. The flower of goodness and the flower of evil bloom at the same time, which makes us readers plunge into endless thinking about life while weeping.

Regarding little Oliver, "the writer poured his infinite sympathy and deep love for the millions of lonely and weak people in the society into this child protagonist." Pure goodness, a desire to do good, and a spirit that strives to resist the dark reality.

Little Oliver was born in a workhouse, and his mother died of hatred after giving birth to him. The author writes,

"The two men who were present at his birth gave him little help, which left Oliver to bear his first battle alone."

The reason was that an old woman was drunk and the doctor was not paid enough, So they don't care about the life or death of this new life. In such an environment of indifference and insensitivity, the child survived tenaciously.

It is not difficult to see that while exposing the hypocrisy and cruelty of the bourgeois charitable institution "workhouse", the author hints and emphasizes that little Oliver has an innate strong spirit of resistance, struggling in pain is the key to his life. of all.

If he succumbs to this dark world, he is doomed to be swallowed by the cruel reality. Little Oliver's spirit of rebellion did not arise without a reason.

It should be said that it was the inevitable result of repeated misfortunes: Once, little Oliver asked the steward for more food, but the steward was very surprised and called this a "dare to be the first in the world" The bitter child was tortured.

Readers will feel sad for little Oliver's hunger, cold and unfair beating after reading this, but I personally think that this is another strengthening of little Oliver's rebellious spirit-he is different from other people who dare not violate the workhouse steward.

The children, not only instinctively, but also courageously tried "anti-conventional" behaviors. Those managers who symbolized cruelty were awed by this kind of behavior.

Their rampant and unrestrained typical dark psychology of the society at that time was for the first time A discordant tone was encountered. Even if this discordant tone is still in its infancy, it is destined to stay and continue to struggle.

Afterward, little Oliver, who was an apprentice in the coffin shop, was slandered by Noah's vicious words. In his strong anger, he punched the big boy hard, so that the proprietress and other villains were terrified and beat the thin little orphan violently.

This fact shows that little Oliver's rebellious spirit grows with the gradual maturity of his inner world. After being humiliated and beaten again and again, little Oliver did not bow his head to this dirty and ugly society but still fought bravely and honed his pure heart under his thin body.

Fleeing to London alone, the poor little Oliver lived in the den of thieves headed by Fagin under the leadership of The Winged Thief. Readers will more likely think that it is little Oliver's bad luck to fall into a den of thieves, but this is not the case.

"According to Henry Mayhew's statistics in "Those Who Don't Want to Work" (1862)... only one-third of the British labor force People can find jobs... Due to the high unemployment rate, the crime rate is also high. According to statistics, there are 12,000 criminals in London alone."

In other words, it was the British society at that time that created so many thieves Ladies and gentlemen, what happened to little Oliver was not accidental, just like The Winged Thief said, "If you don't steal, someone else will.

There is no doubt about it!" But what I want to emphasize here is that even in such a Despite harsh environment, little Oliver is still poor and ambitious.

He has a kind and simple heart, even if Fagin and others try to instigate him to steal, little Oliver will not really do that.

And when he was rescued twice by kind-hearted people (the first time by Mr. Brownlow, the second time by Mrs. Merry and Rose), he ignored his frail health and was eager to tell those kind-hearted people about his life. His tragic life experience and painful experience.

In this regard, little Oliver wants to let others know that his inner world has not been polluted by the dark and dirty real life, he still guards the pure land of the soul and wants to be with those kind and caring good people who live together. Little Oliver's kind nature runs through the whole novel.

In the final part of the novel, when he finds out his parentage and is told that he will get all the remaining property in his father's will, Mr. Brownlow proposes to give half of it to his half-brother Monks, Little Oliver "very gladly accepted the offer".

According to common sense, there is absolutely no need for little Oliver to give favors to those who always want to kill him, but in fact, he just regards Monks simply as his half-brother, without the slightest hostility. What surged in his heart was only family affection.

The two diametrically opposite human natures between him and the Monks formed a strong contrast, which heightened the kind image of little Oliver; and as far as the whole novel is concerned, the kindness of little Oliver's nature was in line with the so-called "Victorian prosperity" period in England at that time.

The decadent and dark society, where the majority of people turn to evil, forms a sharp and vivid comparison, promotes moral thoughts and precious humanistic thoughts, and purifies the spiritual world of readers.

If little Oliver represents the brightest side of human nature, then the role of Nancy deduces the contradictory side of human nature.

Nancy, who grew up in a den of thieves, was controlled by Fagin and others on the one hand—for example, once she pretended to be little Oliver’s sister and kidnapped little Oliver who had just escaped from the clutches of the street with her accomplices; but on the other hand, when Fagin When King and Sykes beat little Oliver who was trying to escape, Nancy stepped forward again, "Now that you've got the kid, isn't that enough that you're going to turn him into a thief and a liar? Kill him?" She protected poor little Oliver with an almost crazy act.

From this pair of contradictory actions, we can clearly see that Nancy still treasures a humanity that has not been completely wiped out in her heart.

It's just that the ruthless and cruel reality kept torturing her last little kindness, and she was struggling in a deprived environment.

Maybe little Oliver ignited the bright fire in Nancy's heart, making Nancy rescue him from distress again and again.

When Nancy overheard the conversation between Monks and Fagin and learned the secret that Monks asked Fagin to try his best to turn little Oliver into a thief and put him to death in order to monopolize all the inheritance, she went Risking his life, he told the kind Rose the secret.

However, readers have noticed that in the two secret conversations between Nancy and Rose and others, it was mentioned such as "You have to promise me another thing - not to do any harm to this man I can never leave ", she has been trying her best to protect Sykes, who is of the same breed as Fagin. Why?

Although Sykes is also a villainous guy like Fagin, Nancy's love for him is like the pure love in the heart that every kind woman expresses for her husband. Said to be social factors.

If a person is entangled with thousands of social factors, others will naturally make value judgments on him, and treat him with different emotions and attitudes from the original.

Although the world in which Nancy lives is intertwined with pain and darkness, she is pitiful, miserable, and miserable, but she is faithful to the person she loves without complaint or regret.

Therefore, Nancy's love does not become filthy because she has fallen to the bottom of real society, but the instinctive and pure emotion shared by all people. It can even be said that Nancy's love instinct guards her from being completely wiped out. That is part of good humanity.

Although readers and Nancy both know that her own fate cannot escape the word "death", and although Nancy eventually died at the hands of the man she loved, we can say that Nancy, with her instinctive love and The goodness of that part of human nature frees one's soul from this miserable world and flies to the heaven without darkness and death.

Fagin and Sussex, the Bumble couple, Monks, and others destroy the two flowers of the goodness of human nature that bloom in the world of ghosts and demons, goodness and love, with their respective evils of human nature.

Fagin and Sykes are the embodiment of evil, cruelty, and deceit. Readers may have noticed that the English meaning of the name Fagin refers to the abettor (who instigates children to commit crimes), so we can see the author's intention.

In the preface to "Orphan in the Mist", Dickens clearly pointed out: "It seems to me that it is very necessary to describe such a group of criminals as they actually exist; in all their defects and all their misfortunes.

To describe them; to describe them in the poverty of their lives; to show them as they really are, stalking uneasily on the dirtiest paths of life, and finally, still not escaping the death of their lives by the black, ghastly gallows.

"So, in the author's pen, he not only wrote about the cold, damp, dirty, and disordered streets of London-the place where filth is hidden but also used little Oliver as a medium to compare Fagin and Sykes again and again.

The descriptions of coercion, temptation, and sticks portray their ferocious faces, evil hearts, and depraved lives.

Thousands of evil souls like them are lurking in every corner of London, using their means to make darkness continue to breed and spread in the entire society-this is a terrifying and serious reality.

What is even more infuriating is that there were more people who did not belong to the bottom of society at that time, such as the Bumbles, who stink of vitriol and mercenary.

They don't take a lonely child like little Oliver as a human being at all. Not only did they not feed and clothe the orphans, but they often beat and scolded them, which caused great psychological trauma to these children.

This kind of devastation is no less than that of villains like Fagin; it is these people who live a relatively comfortable life, who naturally and vividly paint us portraits of money worshipers: For example, Bumble because he does not want to miss Brownlow’s house in a hurry to tell him about little Oliver’s “situation” (as long as there is no conflict of interest with himself, speak ill of little Oliver, etc.).

When it comes to the character of Monks, what impresses people the most is his frightening jealousy and hatred.

Monks ignited intense resentment and jealousy towards his half-brother in order to monopolize all the inheritance income - if little Oliver lived well, his greed would never be satisfied.

So, driven by this perverted psychology, he let little Oliver "experience" the cruelty and horror of reality.

When he finally confessed the truth to everyone, he was still "cursing secretly" too little Oliver. This kind of abnormal psychology also reflects the moral decline of British society at that time.

Although many critics believe that this novel has many deficiencies, "the author was in his youth during this period, his career was flourishing, and his understanding of society was still relatively superficial... Especially in terms of novel structure and characterization, the author has not yet fully grasped it. You can live."

"Dickens only wrote about some of the ugly manifestations of society but failed to see that the root cause of these evils lies in the capitalist system itself. Contradictions."

In my opinion, this work delicately depicts and profoundly reveals many aspects of human nature, such as kindness, love, benevolence, evil, fraud, jealousy, and hatred, and their contradictions.

The flower of goodness and the flower of evil bloom together in the wonderful flowers of human nature, so that readers can understand the various aspects of life while clarifying their hearts, and striving to make their lives bloom with flowers of kindness. This is the deep thinking and enlightenment that only good work can bring us.

Just like the last sentence of this novel says.

"Throughout their lives, they showed compassion and kindness to others as God shows to all living beings."

Oliver Twist's Book Reviews

Leo Tolstoy wrote at the beginning of "Anna Karenina" that all happy families are alike, and every unhappy family is unhappy in its own way.

Charles Dickens has a similar line in Oliver Twist: A sad, true story full of tribulations and sorrows is usually very long, and a story of pure joy and happiness is very short.

"Oliver Twist" seems to be somewhere in between, it is not only full of suffering and sorrow, but also brings happiness and joy to people.

In 1837, at the age of 25, Dickens wrote Oliver Twist, his second novel and also his first social novel.

As an early work of Dickens, "Oliver Twist" is a bit thin in terms of plot and character design. If we ignore the age when the story is told, it will be even more difficult to appreciate the beauty of this book.

But as Dickens himself said in the preface of this book, "I don't expect their (referring to the readers) approval, nor do I write for their amusement."

Dickens just told a story he wanted to tell, and what we readers get out of it is no longer his concern.

01. Oliver Crusoe

In England at the beginning of the 19th century, affected by the French Revolution and the Napoleon era, the society was turbulent and the economy was extremely depressed. The work of helping the poor was the main problem in British society at that time.

In 1834, the British government promulgated the "Poor Law", requiring able-bodied poor people to live in workhouses.

While this decree was effective, it also caused countless tragedies. Instead of receiving proper care, the poor living in the workhouse became the target of public shame.

"Oliver Twist," tells a tragedy in this historical background. According to Mr. Huang Shuiqi, the translator of this book, " Dickens in "Oliver Twist" used the "Poor Law" of 1834 as an object of condemnation."

At the beginning of the novel, a baby is born in the workhouse - "a world full of sorrow and distress", and the baby is the protagonist of this book, Oliver Twist.

Oliver's mother died as soon as he was born, and his father is not explained at all at the beginning of the novel. The helpless Oliver is logically included in the ranks of orphans, and the novel calls him "a character who is handcuffed, beaten, despised by everyone but sympathized by no one in the world."

Although "Oliver Twist" is a novel, Dickens referred to it more than once in the book as "the most concise and most credible biographical sample" of Oliver.

This statement undoubtedly strengthens the authenticity of the book. Oliver may be a fictional character of Dickens, but the tragedy written in the book is a true reflection of British society at that time.

In the follow-up episodes, Dickens' description of Oliver's encounter is indeed extremely true.

Although it is called a workhouse, Oliver received no relief at all in his childhood life. The board of directors of the workhouse formulated a specification: let the poor either starve to death slowly in the workhouse or starve to death immediately outside the workhouse.

Oliver, who was too hungry, asked the chef for more porridge under the instigation of his companions.

Oliver's move caused an uproar in the workhouse. The board of directors believed that Oliver's request was outrageous and should be severely punished. Some people even predicted that "the child will be hanged in the future."

Oliver, who made a mistake, was sent out of the workhouse to work as an apprentice in a coffin shop. Not long after he was abused, he fled to London alone.

Oliver was just a kid in his early teens at the time. But the child's life has gone through many ups and downs, and he finally went to London to start another tribulation and adventure.

02. Adventure and adventure

Oliver walked 65 miles to London in winter, in a strange place, cold and hungry, Oliver seemed to be at the end of the road.

At this time, a strange "young gentleman" reached out to Oliver. He treated Oliver to a meal and took Oliver home.

Oliver, who was indifferent, didn't even realize that he had just escaped from a fire pit, and he was tricked into the den of thieves again.

The leader of the den of thieves, Eugene, wanted to train Oliver to join their ranks of deception. Oliver had an accident during his first theft. He was mistaken for a thief and caught, but it was a blessing in disguise that he met the nobleman of his life. Mr. Brownlow.

Mr. Brownlow and Mrs. Bedwin took good care of Oliver, which gave the child a rare warmth in the world.

But not long after, Oliver was brought back to the den of thieves again by the female liar Miss Nancy and returned to Eugene's palm.

As a result, Oliver fell into the most dangerous disaster in his life without realizing it.

A gang led by the liar Eugene, Sykes, and Monks the Mysterious want to train Oliver to be a liar like them; an alliance of Mr. Brownlow, Mrs. Bedwin and Miss Ross, and foster mother Mrs. Merry Do everything possible to rescue Oliver from the clutches.

When the two forces competed, the mystery of Oliver's life experience gradually surfaced.

In this process, some confusing stories of Miss Nancy are interspersed. She is the female liar who helps Sykes catch Oliver back and is also the core figure who helps Miss Rose rescue Oliver. Miss Nancy's tragedy leaves a layer of tragedy that is difficult to ignore in this comic ending story.

03. Beautiful jade sinks into the ditch

In "Tess of the D'Urbervilles" , there is a chapter called "Sink in the mud", which means that the innocent Tess was defiled by the shameless Yalei, and the beautiful jade fell into the ditch, which caused the tragedy of her life.

Tess's story has nothing to do with Miss Nancy's story in terms of plot, but their encounters are so similar.

Miss Nancy is a female liar, she has been following the liar Sayles for more than ten years, and it was she who brought Oliver back to the den of thieves.

However, Miss Nancy is fundamentally different from Eugene, Searles, and others. Even if she is trapped in the mud, she still cannot change her essence of beauty.

Therefore, when she learned of the plan of the Monks and others to harm Oliver, Miss Nancy suppressed her fear and secretly notified Miss Rose to help Oliver escape from the Monks' clutches.

Oliver was saved, but Miss Nancy died at the hands of Sykes because of the leak. This is probably one of the saddest plots in the novel.

Many readers think that Miss Nancy described by Dickens is more embarrassing than Oliver. This is true, in my opinion, Miss Nancy is the most successful character in this book.

Dickens brings happiness to Oliver at the end of the novel but makes Nancy go to death. As a story of truth, goodness, and beauty, in fact, Dickens can completely redeem Nancy. In the novel, Miss Ross has offered to rescue Nancy.

But Nancy refused, she chose to return to Sykes, it can also be said that she took the initiative to her own death.

Nancy's seemingly unreasonable choice is the truest and most painful truth of her life.

In the novel, Nancy took the initiative to say to Ross, "I am the notorious guy you have heard of, living among thieves, since the moment I wandered on the streets of London, except what they (referring to Sykes and others) gave me I never knew a better life or kinder words than my own."

Nancy, living in the darkness of humanity, has long lost the ability to feel love and the chance to be redeemed. Sykes and others are the initiators of the tragedy of her life, but also the only meaning of her life. Nancy's life is all based on Sykes and others, so even though "I hate this kind of life, I hate this kind of life, but I can't leave this kind of life."

I'm hopeless, Nancy used the word to seal the coffin of her life.

Perhaps when she bid farewell to Miss Rose, she had already anticipated her own end, so she said, "Alleys and ditches are my cradles, and they will also be my deathbed."

Miss Nancy finally fell into the ditch, blown by the north wind.

This is not the most embarrassing part of the novel. Miss Nancy described by Dickens does not believe that she can be redeemed, but resolutely gives Oliver the chance of being redeemed, at the cost of her life.

This is the most moving and brilliant part of this book.

04. Do you still believe that what is good is rewarded with good?

Now many readers do not have a high evaluation of "Oliver Twist", and there are probably two reasons for this.

On the one hand, "Oliver Twist" was Dickens's work when he was 25 years old, and it was also his second work. Both the plot and the characters are somewhat simple.

Oliver Twist, on the other hand, ends with comedy. For us readers, we want comedy more in reality, but in the process of reading, tragedy is more impressive and more real.

Therefore, the happy reunion story of "Orphan in the Twist" will make people feel unreal.

Good is rewarded with good, and evil is rewarded with evil. This is what Dickens wanted to tell us, so later generations called it "the light that calls people back to laughter and benevolence."

But now many people no longer believe such words. Compared with truth, goodness, and beauty, people think that poisonous chicken soup is more real.

It is undeniable that in reality, justice does not always come, and light does not always drive out darkness. In the novel "Pan's Labyrinth", it is said that the side of justice will not always win the real victory, they are just holding on.

In this view, Oliver's comedy ending seems to be a failure.

But in fact, in the happy ending of "Orphan Twist", there are also hidden tragedies and regrets that cannot be ignored. Miss Nancy mentioned above is an example.

Another example is Dick. Dick is Oliver's partner in the foster home. Before Oliver fled to London, he went to meet Dick. Dick told Oliver to go forward bravely, " But don't stop, honey, don't stop!"

Dick was the first person to give Oliver a blessing. Even though this blessing only came from a child, it was remembered by Oliver for a lifetime.

But when Oliver was rescued, he went to find Dick but only got the news of Dick's death.

The novel doesn't play up Dick's death in detail, but it's no less sad. Dick's death is matched by Oliver's rescue, and Miss Nancy's death is matched by Miss Rose's luck.

Dickens does not blindly make us believe in truth, goodness, and beauty. As Nancy said to Rose, "Kneel down and thank God, because when you were a child, many friends took care of you and raised you; because you were never hungry or cold."

Nancy wasn't quite right, she didn't know anything about Rose's twisted fate. But indeed, whether it is Rose or Oliver, they should thank God most for not letting them be in the fate of Nancy and Dick.

It can be seen that "Orphan in the Twist" is not unreal, but too real. Life is sometimes a passive multiple-choice question, is it, Nancy or Ross? Is it Oliver or Dick?

We cannot decide the environment we are in, nor can we completely get rid of the imprint of the environment. A good life depends on luck, and personal efforts are sometimes vulnerable.

But even so, we cannot completely deny the existence of light just because we are in darkness. "Orphan in the Twist" is a story of "a beacon that calls people back to laughter and benevolence".

Muhiuddin Alam is the Founder and Editor-in-Chief of GeekBookReviews.com. He serves as a consistent contributor to various websites and publications, including Medium , Quora , Reddit , Linkedin , Substack , Vocal , Flipboard , and Amazon KDP. Alam personally read numerous books and, for the past 10 years, has been providing book recommendations and reviews. Find Me: About Me & Google Knowledge Panel.

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Book review: Oliver Twist

Post published: December 4, 2019
Post category: General / Reviews
Post author: By: Muhammed Al Ali

Oliver Twist is a classic book by Charles Dickens that most of us have read. It tugs at our heartstrings during the beginning and middle and gets us anxious at the end. It’s no wonder why this book is a popular classic and a must-read worldwide.

The plot of the book is simple: it revolves around a boy named Oliver who is an orphan. He escapes the workhouse he lived in, joins a gang of thieves and manages to escape them until they take him back, he then runs away and lives happily ever after . But it’s not the plot that makes this book amazing; it’s the characters.

Oliver is a young orphan who always tries his best to persevere even when he’s in a tough situation. He is the epitome of always trying to escape a bad situation. Seeing his failures makes readers angry at his surroundings- but when he succeeds, you can’t help but regain a bit of hope for humanity.

Dodger seems like Oliver’s friend at the beginning of the novel, but it turns out he’s just trying to trick him into becoming a pawn of Fagin. Fagin (the antagonist) has no redeeming character traits, which is usually a bad thing, however, in this case, the author doesn’t allow him any traits that are redeemable because then, you’d sympathise with this monster.

All the other characters help put together the story and interact very realistically with each other. Nancy is shown from the get-go to dislike Fagin, which gives more time for her to develop her character arc of trying to destroy him. Bill is a mysterious character as we don’t know much about him except that he’s the true antagonist and that Fagin is one of his pawns.

If you haven’t read this book, do give it a read, especially if you like classics. Words cannot express how amazing this book is and I’d personally easily place it in my top 5 books of all time. In fact, this book is so well-loved that the lower school production this year is based on it!

Book Series Recaps

So what happened in book one.

Review of Oliver Twist

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No spoilers in this review of Oliver Twist by Charles Dickens .

Special thanks to Sarina Byron, a BSR contributor who wrote this great review! Sarina is a British Author and Contributing Writer living in California. Sarina enjoys bringing forth a different perspective and encouraging a different way of thinking through her writing. Visit her blog to read her reviews, and check the end of the review for a link to her Instagram.

** A NOTE FROM SARINA: This review/recap has omitted one objectionable reference and one objectionable incident in light of the transformed world we live in.**

“Please sir, may I have some more?”

Dickens was a master of the written word, not just because he wrote well but because his words carried so much emotion that they evoked a response in even the most hardened souls. Although his books contain much prose to admire, most of his books are recognized by one phrase each. For Oliver Twist, that phrase is: “Please sir, may I have some more?” Such simple words, yet they convey so much. These are words chosen by a boy who knows he is addressing the masters of his food and his fate. He is aware their station in life is well above his, so much so that he cannot even assume to be given more gruel than his measly allotment.

Every phrase, every dialogue uttered by the characters in Oliver Twist is true to that character’s background, education, history, and station in life. Dickens had the unique ability to convey dialects through his writing. For those unaware of the skill, it is a highly specialized ability that involves writing an accent just as it is spoken. Suppressing sounds where the speaker does and almost creating an echo in the reader’s mind. Dickens was a master of dialects, and as such, his writing is fantastically expressive. For the same reason, his readings were immensely entertaining. In recent years, this style has been seen in the writing of Hagrid’s dialogues in the Harry Potter books by J.K. Rowling and the cockney accent by Jennifer Worth in Call the Midwife .

They say we are an aggregate of our experiences. I don’t know if I necessarily agree with this, but as a writer, I can agree that our experiences show up in our writing . Dickens was forced to work as a child when his father was arrested for not paying back his debt. Although he was able to go back to work, this left an indelible mark on his mind. His young characters often suffer great hardships and pain. Their pain and heartbreak are palpable through Dickens’ words. One can almost experience their heavy hearts and swollen eyes, which also earned his novels the statute of emotionally difficult reads.

A logical person may say it is perhaps this ability that makes Dickens a fantastic writer. However, being a writer myself, I may be inclined to say this is in some way indicative of his own emotions. Writers can create characters, situations, and dialogues, but most are inspired by their own emotions . For example, the character of Fagin was inspired by Issac ‘Ikey’ Solomon , who was introduced to a life of crime by his father and trained little children in street crimes. It was his appearance and reputation that stuck with Dickens, and he brought his day-to-day dealings to life in Oliver Twist through Fagin.

Although Dickens was born during the reign of King George III, the entire period largely became known as the Victorian Era. Strictly speaking, the Victorian era was from 1837 to 1901, but in reference, it is considered to have begun after the Napoleonic wars and lasted until the advent of the First World War in 1914. This was a period of immense social change on account of Britain’s transformation from a rural, agricultural society to an urban, industrialized one.

Large families, urban migration, and stigma and trauma of government help, including moving to the much-dreaded workhouses, were some of the causes of the dismal state of affairs. Dickens’ writing reflects the pains of those who struggled to survive in this changing society. His reflections and ruminations manifest in the experiences of young Oliver Twist, like when he was on his way to London and it was far safer for a boy under 10 years to sleep in haystacks rather than enter a village that threatens to imprison those who beg.

There is social commentary, and then there is Dickens’ keen portrayal of people. Consider the time when Noah Claypole, to be cruel to Oliver with maximum effect, called him “workhouse.” When calling that name did not produce the desired rage, he began to heap insults on his dead mother. Dickens’ genius is evident in his own words, which reflect great insight. Dickens writes that Noah “did what many small wits, with far greater reputations than Noah, sometimes do to this day, when they want to be funny. He got personal.” This is more than just an observation. This kind of experience is born of having lived a life where one is pushed to a brink of sensitivity that is almost empathetic. His time as a young child working in a factory is often spoken about in passing, yet it clearly had a deeper impact in that at least two of his books revolve around young boys who go through painful experiences.

Reading books by Dickens is not just a remarkable experience with the written word; it is also a rare opportunity to experience history. I noticed the phrase “sentenced to transportation” in the book, and although I knew crimes were punished by deporting people to the “ New World ,” the phrase was interesting to see. The manner in which it was written, without explanation and without ceremony was more fascinating to me than the mention of it at all. These practices have been studied, criticized, and either begrudgingly accepted or blatantly denied. But to see it mentioned in passing feels like watching a dinosaur walk past your apartment: One knows they existed, but to see one in the flesh is a completely different matter. I am sure you will experience similar epiphanies when reading Dickens. It is an experience akin to time travel.

Speaking of travel, did you know Dickens used to obsessively walk around London ? He would walk the streets of London, almost 10 to 20 miles a day, and observe the sights, sounds, smells, people, and ambience. Everything he observed made it into his books and immortalized Victorian society for all time to come. Not everyone can observe things as they are without adjustment or wishful thinking getting in the way. To look at something for exactly what it is—whether it feels beautiful or ugly, whether it goes against your grain, or whether you approve of it—and then accept it and reproduce it just the same is a rare talent. The act in itself sounds simple, but how many of us can achieve it? Even as we watch events unfold in our daily lives, we make continuous judgements about them. Any time someone begins to speak, we form value judgements about everything that’s coming out of their mouth, especially nowadays when we are all just waiting to be offended.

Dickens accepted everything that existed in his time. In Oliver Twist , he tells us about the fate of an orphan boy in the 1800s without adding unnecessary kindness where one would not be experienced. When Oliver fails to return to Mr. Brownlow’s house that fateful night that Nancy takes him back to Fagin, Mr. Brownlow is inclined to believe Mr. Grimwig’s assessment of Oliver. We would have loved to read that he does not doubt Oliver for one minute, but such are not the ways of society. Even today, nine-year-old boys belonging to a band of thieves would be looked upon with suspicion. When Oliver’s mother died, we would have loved to read that Old Sally went looking for her family and reunited Oliver with them. This is not the way of the world, whether it is the Victorian world or the world we live in today. If an unknown pauper lies dying somewhere, their belongings will not be kept for safekeeping; they will most likely be stolen to be sold for some quick cash.

Dickens may not be the first choice when picking books to gift little children, but for the brave parent, it will be a wise choice. Reading Dickens will not only lay the foundation for an excellent vocabulary, the masterful weaving of words into beautiful prose, and early access to the truth of human nature, but also will allow children to understand history through the perspective of someone who lived it.

And if you are an adult returning to Dickens or reading him again after many years, you could not have picked a more edifying book. Perhaps you will find yourself saying:

Let us know what you think about this review of Oliver Twist and Sarina’s great review in the comments! No spoilers on this page, please!

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Don’t forget to check out Sarina’s blog , and you can follow her on Instagram ! Follow Book Series Recaps on Instagram , Pinterest , and Twitter . Friend us on Goodreads: Sara and Stacy .

Oh and share this review of Oliver Twist with your friends who might like this book!

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In my copy of the book Oliver says, “Please, sir, I want some more.”

Book Review of Oliver Twist by Charles Dickens

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Oliver Twisted (The Ivy Meadows Mysteries Book 3)

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Oliver Twisted (The Ivy Meadows Mysteries Book 3) Kindle Edition

Orphans. Thieves. Murder. And an All-You-Can-Eat Buffet!

When Ivy Meadows lands a gig with the book-themed cruise line Get Lit! , she thinks she's died and gone to Broadway. Not only has she snagged a starring role in a musical production of Oliver Twist , she's making bank helping her PI uncle investigate a string of onboard thefts, all while sailing to Hawaii on the S.S. David Copperfield.

But Ivy is cruising for disaster. Her acting contract somehow skipped the part about aerial dancing 40 feet above the stage, her uncle Bob is seriously sidetracked by a suspicious blonde, and—oh yeah—there's a corpse in her closet. Forget catching crooks. Ivy's having a Dickens of a time just surviving.

"Ivy is a delight! She's sweet, smart, and a little zany. You'll find yourself laughing out loud as you race through the pages." April Henry, New York Times Bestselling Author

Print length 282 pages
Language English
Sticky notes On Kindle Scribe
Publisher Cindy Brown
Publication date August 26, 2024
File size 456 KB
Page Flip Enabled
Word Wise Enabled
Enhanced typesetting Enabled
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ASIN ‏ : ‎ B0DFHVJFL8
Publisher ‏ : ‎ Cindy Brown (August 26, 2024)
Publication date ‏ : ‎ August 26, 2024
Language ‏ : ‎ English
File size ‏ : ‎ 456 KB
Text-to-Speech ‏ : ‎ Enabled
Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Not Enabled
Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Enabled
Sticky notes ‏ : ‎ On Kindle Scribe
Print length ‏ : ‎ 282 pages

About the author

Cindy brown.

Cindy Brown has been a theater geek (musician, actor, director, producer, and playwright) since her first professional gig at age 14. Now a full-time writer, she’s lucky enough to have garnered an Agatha Award nomination for best debut novel (MACDEATH), a scholarship to the Squaw Valley Writers Workshop, and several awards for her fiction, playwriting and screenwriting work.

Though Cindy and her husband now live in Portland, Oregon, she made her home in Phoenix, Arizona, for more than 25 years and knows all the good places to hide dead bodies in both cities.

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Book review: The Disappearance of Ethics: The Gifford Lectures by Oliver O’Donovan

The christian view of history is ethics’ basis, says richard harries.

AS MORAL beings, we sometimes feel that we ought to do something, or that we should carry out a particular duty. But, in this book by the distinguished ethicist Oliver O’Donovan, there are only two references to “ought” and one to “duty”. Although these concepts have a place, he argues, they make sense only in relation to a prior understanding of the good, and this has dropped out of sight, indeed disappeared, in most modern ethical thought.

For Aristotle, all things reach after the good, and this starting point dominated all ethical thinking in the pre-modern era; but with Kant (1724-1804), all this changed. For him, all that matters is the naked will standing above nature as a closed system of observed regularities. O’Donovan shows how on Kant’s account we have no way of prizing what we do in fact value, such as friendship or creativity. Nor does it do justice to natural, spontaneous valuing; for, on Kant’s view, the only moral actions are ones brought about by the will. Whereas for Kant moral actions are ones done on the basis of an “ought” in relation to the impersonal order of nature, true morality means recognising what is of value and ordering it aright.

So, drawing on a neglected German philosopher, Max Scheler (1874-1928), O’Donovan argues for the place of values, “real though nonmaterial, objects of knowledge independent of our valuations, not creations of the will”, which we apprehend through intuition or inspection. If we take the pursuit of the good seriously, we are led to ask what is of supreme worth and most binding on conduct, and it is this in the end, in the form of worship, which enables us to order the genuine goods of the world aright.

The second concept that, according to O’Donovan, has disappeared from modern ethical thinking is the idea of time, and so of history. If time is not to be seen as just one event following another, it implies a history: the selection of some events rather than others from a particular point of view at a particular point in time. And this raises the possibility of an end when all can be seen and known.

So it is that, when we act, we do so with a view to the future, and this implies not just the immediate future, but the fulfilment of history itself. And, if our moral endeavours and desire for the good are to be grounded, that ultimate future must be one in which they are vindicated. We cannot prove that this will be the case, because, in history, unlike nature, there is no repetition. But there can be a meaning-bearing event or series of events which offers a promise that elicits faith.

The third reality that has dropped out of modern ethical thinking is the conviction of there being persons who are moral agents. Here again, we have to take into account the whole life story of a person, not just an isolated choice or act. We know that we are persons not by an act of introspection, but in our encounters with other persons, within community. But whether persons are of the highest value and not just an epiphenomenon that flickers briefly and then disappears again depends on the future, one in which the personal is radiant.

O’Donovan asks us to take seriously the Christian understanding of creation, God’s good deed, which comes to us and for us with time. This means that creation takes a narrative form, with a beginning and an end in which the history of the whole, the history of histories, will be known.

He also includes a chapter on law, which he roots in the book of Deuteronomy. Taking issue with both Bernard Williams and Alasdair MacIntyre, he argues that Law is essential for binding society together, and that behind it is an ethical command expressed in the old idea of natural law. But law, too, for O’Donovan, also has a future orientation when it will find its fulfilment in perfected community. This perfected community comes about through the Holy Spirit, working in co-operation with us human beings, forming us in the likeness of Christ.

The book originated in the Gifford Lectures delivered at St Andrews University. The author’s deep learning and precision of analysis means that it is not a light read, and it will be of most use to specialists in the field. But his theme is, indeed, good news for all. This is that Christian theology provides the only sure foundation for our ethical reasoning, and that theology assures us that our moral endeavours will be vindicated. As St Paul said, what we do in the Lord “is not in vain”. The Rt Revd Lord Harries of Pentregarth is a former Bishop of Oxford, and an Hon. Professor of Theology at King’s College, London. He is the author of The Re-enchantment of Morality (SPCK, 2008). The Disappearance of Ethics: The Gifford Lectures Oliver O’Donovan Eerdmans £30.99* (978-0-8028-8349-0) *available from eerdmans.com

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Who’s Helping Selena Gomez Solve Crimes in ‘Only Murders in the Building’ Season 4?

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Four seasons in, and Only Murders in the Building continues to catch audiences by surprise with its murder mysteries and the captivating trio inspecting them. The Arconia neighbors are now tasked with finding the person responsible for the death of a close friend, all the while they ponder whether to accept a picture deal with a major studio to adapt their podcast into a movie.

As Oliver ( Martin Short ), Charles ( Steve Martin ), and Mabel ( Selena Gomez ) take on another gripping investigation, many new characters will join in on the whodunnit thrill. To find which A-listers are set to make cameos this season , here is a handy cast and character guide.

Steve Martin as Charles-Haden Savage of Only Murders in the Building, looking confused, superimposed on a swirling background

VIDEO: 'Only Murders in the Building's Three Best Plot Twists So Far

What does Season 4 have in store for our beloved trio?

Martin Short

Oliver putnam.

Known for coming up with one of Broadway's greatest flops, Oliver Putnam is part of the main trio behind the true-crime podcast "Only Murders in the Building". Although the character is still trying to dote on a lavish lifestyle, he isn't as financially stable as he once was. With his dog Winnie at his side and the podcast to keep him busy, he is always excited about solving another murder case and his enthusiasm usually keeps Charles and Mabel invested in their investigations. This season, Oliver and his colleagues will be unveiling the killer responsible for Sazz Pataki's ( Jane Lynch ) death.

Martin Short plays the enthusiastic Oliver, and he is no stranger to being on a hit TV show. From SCTV (where he had the chance to create his well-known alter egos Ed Grimley and Jackie Rogers Jr.) to The Morning Show , the actor has been featured in quite a few series before getting to play the lead in the Hulu original. With two Primetime Emmys under his sleeve and a Tony, Short has an illustrious career. Some of his most beloved projects were alongside his co-star Steve Martin in The Father of the Bride and Three Amigos .

Steve Martin

Charles-haden savage.

Much like Oliver, Charles is no longer in his prime career wise. His most notable performance remains that of the lead character in "Brazzos", a '90s hit. As a semi-retired actor, he has lots of spare time to solve crimes through the podcast he produces with his neighbors. Season 3 will focus on his long-term friendship with the murder victim (who happened to be his stunt double), with Collider's Remus Noronha even calling their flashback scenes together "the most heartbreaking scenes in the season".

A prominent comedian, Steve Martin, played several iconic characters throughout the years before starring as Charles in OMITB, including Orin Scrivello in Little Shop of Horrors and Inspector Clouseau in The Pink Panther (a movie he also co-wrote). With a career filled with impressionable performances, many of which have gained classic status, it is easy to understand why he's earned an honorary Academy Award. Aside from his onscreen achievements, Martin has been a Grammy-winning musician and a successful stand-up artist since the '70s. He has hosted Saturday Night Live a total of 16 times.

Selena Gomez

Mabel is not only the youngest member of the podcast trio, but also the most grounded. Like her two elderly friends, the character also lives in Arconia and cuts to the chase when it comes to solving cases. In fact, her drive to be objective when piecing out clues led her to distance herself from Oliver and Charles in Season 3, only reuniting with them after they were 100 percent focused on finding the killer. This time around, Mabel won't have any romantic entanglements to distract her from their new investigation and will be much more in touch with herself and what she wants to do next.

Selena Gomez started out as a child actress in Barney & Friends , and rose to fame as the lead in the Disney Channel series The Wizards of Waverly Place . Since then, she has juggled multiple hats, from starring in films like Spring Breakers and Ramona and Beezus to consistently putting out pop tunes like "Love You Like a Love Song" and "Same Old Love". In addition to playing Mabel, Gomez also hosts cooking shows and owns a leading beauty product company called Rare Beauty. She most recently earned a Cannes for her role in Emilia Perez , a film set to release on Netflix later this year.

Sazz Pataki

Jane Lynch standing in a kitchen in Only Murders in the Building

As previously mentioned, Sazz Pataki is Charles' old friend and his stunt double who got murdered in cold blood. Season 4 will be all about getting to the bottom of who killed her at Charles' apartment and what was the motivation behind this gruesome act.

Before playing Sazz, Jane Lynch was popularly known for her role as the evil cheerleading coach Sue Sylvester in Glee (a performance that landed her an Emmy). She was also a recurring star in several other TV hits, including Two and a Half Men , The Good Fight , and The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel. Prior to OMITB, Lynch also worked alongside Gomez in a Cinderella adaptation called Another Cinderella Story .

Meryl Streep

Loretta durkin.

After being introduced in Season 3, Loretta Durkin is back, and she is even more enamored by Oliver. Although their relationship blossomed mid-investigation, with Loretta being a suspect in Ben's ( Paul Rudd ) death, her and the Broadway alum have seen their connection evolve into romance.

Meryl Streep needs no introduction. A Hollywood legend with over 21 Academy Award nominations (and three wins), the actress is best-known for work in films like Kramer vs. Kramer , Sophie's Choice , Mamma Mia , Out of Africa , and The Devil Wears Prada . The latter will have a sequel soon, meaning that Streep will be back as Miranda Priestly in no time.

Da'Vine Joy Randolph

Detective donna williams.

Detective Donna Williams appeared in only one episode last season, but that is no indicator of her leaving the show for good. The killjoy cop who gets in the way of the main trio's podcast investigation, is back in action.

Da'Vine Joy Randolph not only received an Emmy nomination for her portrayal of Detective Donna Williams, but she also recently earned an Oscar for her supporting role in Alexander Payne 's The Holdovers . Aside from the Hulu series, she also appeared in shows like This Is Us , High Fidelity , and The Idol .

Molly Shannon

In addition to uncovering the truth about Sazz Pataki's death, the trio of amateur detectives is also overwhelmed by the fact that their podcast is getting adapted to the big screen, with Paramount Pictures producer Bev Melon looking after the production.

Like Martin and Short, Molly Shannon was also part of Saturday Night Live. She has also starred in multiple films and TV projects, including Never Been Kissed , Hotel Transylvania (alongside Gomez), and The White Lotus . Before guest starring in the Hulu series, Shannon also worked on a Max comedy called The Other Two .

Melissa McCarthy

Melissa McCarthy 's character doesn't have a name so far, but it has been revealed that she will play Charles' sister in Season 4.

The actress has come a long way since playing Sookie St. James in Gilmore Girls . Since then, she has been nominated for an Oscar twice for her roles in Bridesmaids , and Can You Ever Forgive Me? She also hosted Saturday Night Live from 2011-2017, winning a Primetime Emmy Award for her guest appearance.

Eva Longoria

In the podcast adaptation for the screen, Eva Longoria is cast as Mabel. The latter feels flattered to have a beautiful actress playing her in the upcoming movie.

A former soap opera star, Longoria began her onscreen career in The Young and Restless , followed by her portrayal of socialite Gabrielle Solis in Desperate Housewives . For a while, the actress was working behind-the-scenes, but she just recently returned to TV with the Apple TV+ original Land of Women .

Eugene Levy

Eugene Levy is also making a guest appearance this season as himself. The actor has been selected to play Charles in the film about the podcast. Much like Mabel, Charles is thrilled to have a notable comedian playing him onscreen.

Prior to OMITB, Levy worked alongside Short on the Canadian sketch series SCTV. He also collaborated with Martin in Cheaper by the Dozen 2 and Lynch in Best in Show . Yet, the actor is better known for playing the Rose patriarch in the Emmy-winning sitcom Schitt's Creek .

Zach Galifianakis

Yet, different from the aforementioned, Oliver isn't so sure that Zach Galifianakis is the right person to play him in a movie about the trio and their crime podcast.

The actor is better known for playing Alan in The Hangover trilogy and Chip Baskets in the FX series Baskets .

Kumail Nanjiani

Similarly to McCarthy, Kumail Nanjiani 's character has yet to be disclosed, but according to reports from when the actor was originally cast, he will have an integral role in the ongoing investigation.

Prior to the Hulu original, Nanjiani played Dinesh in the HBO comedy series Silicon Valley and Steve in the miniseries Welcome to Chippendales .

Watch Only Murders in the Building Season 4 on Hulu.

Only Murders in the Building

Three strangers share an obsession with true crime and suddenly find themselves wrapped up in one. When a grisly death occurs inside their exclusive Upper West Side apartment building, the trio suspects murder and employs their precise knowledge of true crime to investigate the truth. Perhaps even more explosive are the lies they tell one another. Soon, the endangered trio comes to realize a killer might be living among them as they race to decipher the mounting clues before it's too late.

Watch on Hulu

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Oliver Twist Book Review: Charles Dickens
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Oliver Twist Book Review: Charles Dickens
Let's dive into my book review of Oliver Twist by Charles Dickens and go on the rough and almost unbearable journey through life with Young Oliver. You might also enjoy this list of 35 Oliver Twist quotes about poverty, crime, love and friendship. Part 1: The Beginning. Young Oliver Twist was brought into the world, and is immediately touched ...
Oliver Twist
Recommendations from our site. "Oliver is a boy who has escaped the workhouse and is adopted by a family of pickpockets. He's the exception - because he's being manipulated by the grownups…". Read more... Ann Widdecombe, Novelist. "One day he had this radical idea that, if you want something, you can actually make a demand on life ...
Oliver Twist by Charles Dickens
Oliver Twist is a book seemingly built on its characters and humor. The story of an orphan boy who things keep going to hell for could so easily turn into a misery porn sort of work, but here Dickens tells his tale with sympathy, yes, but with a wink and a smile. ... Review I only read Oliver Twist by Charles Dickens once, back in 6th grade ...
Dickens' 'Oliver Twist': Summary and Analysis
Oliver Twist is a well-known story, but the book is not quite as widely read as you might imagine. In fact, Time Magazine's list of the top 10 most popular Dickens' novels put Oliver Twist in 10th place, even though it was a sensational success in 1837 when it was first serialized and contributed the treacherous villain Fagin to English literature. The novel has the vivid storytelling and ...
Book Review: Oliver Twist by Charles Dickens
★★★ Summary Set in 1800s England the young boy, Oliver Twist, tries to navigate through life without parents, in a world full of homelessness, criminals and unempathetic people. Review Please, sir, I want some more. Oliver Twist is supposedly a children's book, which shocked me since there are explicit scenes in this novel that revolves…
Oliver Twist
Oliver Twist, novel by Charles Dickens, published serially under the pseudonym "Boz" from 1837 to 1839 in Bentley's Miscellany and in a three-volume book in 1838. The novel was the first of the author's works to realistically depict the impoverished London underworld and to illustrate his belief that poverty leads to crime.. Plot summary. The novel follows the journey of the titular ...
Oliver Twist
Oliver Twist by Charles Dickens has been reviewed by Focus on the Family's marriage and parenting magazine. Plot Summary. ... Book reviews cover the content, themes and worldviews of fiction books, not their literary merit, and equip parents to decide whether a book is appropriate for their children. The inclusion of a book's review does ...
Book Reviews: Oliver Twist, by Charles Dicken (Updated for 2021)
Oliver Twist. Charles Dicken | 4.13 | 320,726 ratings and reviews. Recommended by Audrey Penn, Chigozie Obioma, Ann Widdecombe, and 3 others. See all reviews. Ranked #8 in London, Ranked #8 in Victorian — see more rankings. Oliver is an orphan living on the dangerous London streets with no one but himself to rely on.
Review: 'Oliver Twist'
There was robbery, arson, murder, betrayal and lies abound, and the story was far darker than I anticipated. When reading classic novels I am always interested in examining representations of women. Throughout Oliver Twist women were presented as agents of temperance and guidance, and as life givers and manipulators.
Book Review Oliver Twist by Charles Dickens
Book Review of Oliver Twist by Charles Dickens, a classic novel about an orphan boy who ends up on the streets. ... Oliver Twist by Charles Dickens Published: 1837 Genres: Classic, Fiction Format: eBook (554 pages) Source: Purchased The story of the orphan Oliver, who runs away from the workhouse only to be taken in by a den of thieves, shocked ...
Oliver Twist
Oliver Twist; or, The Parish Boy's Progress, is the second novel by English author Charles Dickens.It was originally published as a serial from 1837 to 1839 and as a three-volume book in 1838. [1] The story follows the titular orphan, who, after being raised in a workhouse, escapes to London, where he meets a gang of juvenile pickpockets led by the elderly criminal Fagin, discovers the secrets ...
Oliver Twist Book Review
Jostled between the need to survive and his innate, innocent desire to do good, Oliver's achingly poignant story is embroiled in the life of paupers, prostitutes, murderers, and the society that forces them to desperate measures. Dicken's twisted humor cuts to the bone, his commentary is deeply effecting, and all the while he keeps the ...
Oliver Twist: A Timeless Tale of Hope, Resilience, and Redemption
Charles Dickens' iconic novel Oliver Twist is one of the most beloved stories of all time. Set in London in the 1830s, it follows the life of the young orphan Oliver as he navigates the grim and poverty-ridden streets of the city. Through his struggles, Oliver displays remarkable resilience and hope, eventually finding redemption and justice.
Oliver Twist
Oliver Twist: The eponymous boy is the main character of the novel, Oliver Twist, and the protagonist.The hapless orphan finds his mother absent and father missing when he comes into senses shortly after his birth. Marred with a series of tragedies and mishaps right from childhood, Oliver finds himself trapped in continuous troubles and miseries. He faces cruelty, starvation, and mistreatment ...
Oliver Twist Study Guide
Literary Period: Victorian. Genre: Victorian social novel; Bildungsroman (novel of education); novel of morality. Setting: London, England, and the countryside surrounding, 1830s. Climax: Oliver is shot by a servant of the Maylies; he recovers under their care, and begins the process of learning his true parentage. Antagonist: Monks and Fagin.
Book Review: Oliver Twist, Charles Dickens
Book Review: Oliver Twist, Charles Dickens. After Oliver Twist asks nasty Mr Bumble for more food, he has to flee the workhouse for the streets of London. Here he meets the Artful Dodger, who leads him to Fagin and his gang of pickpockets. When a thieving mission goes wrong, Oliver narrowly avoids prison and finds himself in the care of kind Mr ...
Oliver Twist by Charles Dickens
Oliver Twist's Book Reviews. Leo Tolstoy wrote at the beginning of "Anna Karenina" that all happy families are alike, and every unhappy family is unhappy in its own way. Charles Dickens has a similar line in Oliver Twist: A sad, true story full of tribulations and sorrows is usually very long, and a story of pure joy and happiness is very short
Book review: Oliver Twist
Book review: Oliver Twist. Post published: December 4, 2019; Post category: General / Reviews; Post author: By: Muhammed Al Ali; Oliver Twist is a classic book by Charles Dickens that most of us have read. It tugs at our heartstrings during the beginning and middle and gets us anxious at the end. It's no wonder why this book is a popular ...
Review of Oliver Twist
No spoilers in this review of Oliver Twist by Charles Dickens. Special thanks to Sarina Byron, a BSR contributor who wrote this great review! Sarina is a British Author and Contributing Writer living in California. Sarina enjoys bringing forth a different perspective and encouraging a different way of thinking through her writing.
Book Review of Oliver Twist by Charles Dickens
The writer even brought attention to the sordid lives of the criminals and the criminal practice of the Victorian Era. This book review of Oliver Twist contains a summary of the plot as well as thoughts on the overall novel. Oliver Twist was born in a workhouse where his mother died leaving him orphaned. The young man grew up in an orphanage ...
Oliver Twist (Penguin Classics): Dickens, Charles, Horne, Philip
Oliver Twist (Penguin Classics) [Dickens, Charles, Horne, Philip] on Amazon.com. *FREE* shipping on qualifying offers. Oliver Twist (Penguin Classics) ... There was a problem filtering reviews right now. Please try again later. David. 5.0 out of 5 stars Heavy classic! Reviewed in the United States on March 19, 2024.
BOOK REVIEW: Oliver Twist by Charles Dickens
This book review of Oliver Twist contains a summary of the plot as well as thoughts on the overall novel. Oliver twist was born in the workhouse and brought into this world by the parish surgeon. The young woman, who had given birth to Oliver, rose feebly from pillow stretching out her hand towards the child. The surgeon deposited it in her arms.
Oliver Twisted (The Ivy Meadows Mysteries Book 3) Kindle Edition
AI-generated from the text of customer reviews. Select to learn more. Storyline Entertainment value Writing style. 5 customers mention "Storyline" 5 positive 0 negative. Customers find the storyline interesting, twisty, and clever. ... Ivy joins the troop performing Oliver Twist on a Dicken's Literature Cruise to go undercover and try to find ...
Cozy Classics: Oliver Twist
Shop Cozy Classics: Oliver Twist - by Jack Wang & Holman Wang (Board Book) at Target. Choose from Same Day Delivery, Drive Up or Order Pickup. Free standard shipping with $35 orders. ... 269 reviews. $2.39. Crayola 96pg Coloring Book - Spidey and His Amazing Friends. 4.8 out of 5 stars with 288 ratings. 288 reviews.
Book review: The Disappearance of Ethics: The Gifford Lectures by
Oliver O'Donovan Eerdmans £30.99* (978--8028-8349-0) ... Book review: Trailblazer: Barbara Leigh Smith Bodichon: The first feminist to change our world by Jane Robinson. 30 Aug 2024. Other Topics. TV UK Features. View this week's new titles. Show all previous new titles. Church Times Bookshop.
Who's Helping Selena Gomez Solve Crimes in 'Only Murders in the
Much like Oliver, Charles is no longer in his prime career wise. His most notable performance remains that of the lead character in "Brazzos", a '90s hit.

Oliver Twist Book Review: Charles Dickens

Part 1: The Beginning

Part 2: The Tunnel

Part 3: The Light

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