Oliver Twist

This classic novel presents a vivid and unsettling depiction of London’s sinister underworld, where crime and poverty entwine in a brutal dance.

Recommended for: Those interested in classic literature, historical fiction, and social commentary.

You will:

• Be shocked by the cruel treatment of orphans and the poor in 19th-century England
• Be introduced to a cast of vivid and memorable characters, including the Artful Dodger, Bill Sikes, and Nancy
• Explore the themes of poverty, crime, and social injustice
• Discover Dickens’ scathing critique of the English Poor Laws of the 1830s
• Enjoy Dickens’ masterful storytelling and vivid descriptions of Victorian London

Plot Summary

The story follows Oliver Twist, an orphan born in a workhouse, who is forced to live in a series of bleak institutions and eventually falls in with a group of pickpockets in London. Along the way, he encounters a cast of colorful characters, including the sinister Fagin, the charming Artful Dodger, and the tragic Nancy.

Theme And Analysis

Dickens’ novel is a powerful critique of the social and economic conditions of his time, highlighting the cruel treatment of the poor and the failures of the English Poor Laws. Through Oliver’s story, Dickens exposes the hypocrisy and greed of those who exploit the vulnerable, and the ways in which poverty and crime are intertwined. The novel is also a powerful exploration of the human condition, highlighting the resilience and kindness of those who are marginalized and oppressed.

Licensing

Charles Dickens. Oliver Twist. Published in 1838. This work was published before January 1, 1929, and is in the public domain worldwide because the author died at least 100 years ago. This digital edition is provided by Standard Ebooks under the CC0 1.0 Universal Public Domain Dedication License.