Classic Fiction: Oliver Twist by Charles Dickens

I was somehow never forced to read Oliver Twist by Charles Dickens. So here I am, nearly 20 years out of high school, and I am finally reading what was for many their first Dickens novel. It is one of those classic works that nearly everyone has heard of, and most know the often quoted line "Please, sir, I want some more." But for many, the knowledge stops there.

The Situation: From his birth, it seems that Oliver Twist is going to have a difficult life. Born in a workhouse, with no knowledge of his parents or any family relation, Oliver is a mild-tempered child with weak health and a desire to do good. Unfortunately, in his early life, this natural disposition does not aid him in avoiding the cruelty and greed of those who delight in taking advantage of others. Though he manages to escape the workhouse, he finds himself forced into service with a group of thieves. Even when he manages to gain a better situation for himself, the slightest of errors will find him back among the nastiest men who only mean him harm. Given his age and his lack of strength, Oliver is at the mercy of anyone who deigns to take him in, so he must rely on those who take pity on him, and hope they have his best interest in mind.

The Problem: It becomes clear that there are greater forces working against Oliver, forces that he would know nothing about. While his main objective is to simply stay alive and be of the most help and service to whichever good family decides to take him in as their own, others are looking for the best way to take advantage of everyone else. Having finally found a decent home to reside in, Oliver must still be on the look out for the band of thieves that attempted to conscript him into service, particularly the awful and mean Mr. Sikes. It seems that nearly everyone knows more about Oliver than the boy himself, and it is especially in the best interest of the thieves that he is found and contained. But even they are not the only plotters, or the biggest threat. Oliver may be at the center of the story, but there are so many moving pieces and interested parties that it is hard to see how this small, gentle boy will survive a situation with so many working against him.

Genre, Themes, History: This is a classic fiction novel that was first published as a series, beginning in February 1837, and concluding in April of 1839. One of the novel's traits that almost always signifies a Dickens story is the often humorous names of the characters. Dickens is known for giving names to his characters that more or less describe the person they have been assigned to. The Sowerberries are in fact "sour berries," due to Mrs. Sowerberry's constant scowling, and the fact that her husband is an undertaker. One of my favorite characters, Mr. Grimwig, is named as such due to his cranky and pessimistic nature. Even Oliver Twist, whose name is given to him at the workhouse and does not mean much to those who are in charge of him, is a play on the phrase "all of a twist." Something else that signifies this as a true Dickens story is the theme of social justice and social inequality. The orphans in the workhouse are given as little food as possible so that the people in charge can keep the money they save on food as profit; poverty seems to be everywhere, and not just in concern to Oliver and is journey; and the men who punish Oliver for daring to ask for more food are all overweight. Dickens once again shines light on the misery of the lower class in Victorian London. Also, antisemitism alert, as Fagin "the Jew" is one of the most despicable people in the book, and is often described in terms that link him with animals and beasts.

My Verdict: Possibly the most perplexing thing about Oliver Twist is that the character the book is named for kind of disappears a little over halfway into the novel. There is so much going on and so many key players in the orphan's story, that he ceases to be the primary focus of it for nearly 200 pages. And possibly the most frustrating thing about the book is how susceptible he is to misfortune when he is the focus. The smallest actions see him either getting hurt, becoming ill, or being taken where he does not want to go. When the story does not focus on him, it is almost a relief since it means he cannot get hurt if he is not around. With that said, the plot is well done despite Oliver's lack of involvement in it, and everything does manage to come together for a satisfying conclusion.

Favorite Moment: When Sikes' dog, Bull's Eye, runs off before Sikes can drown him due to his own guilt.

Favorite Character: In true Dickens form, most of these characters are either exasperating, or just plain terrible. The few exceptions are the beautiful and kind Rose, the generous Mr. Brownlow, the patient and loving Mrs. Bedwin, the eager Mr. Losberne, and my favorite, the cranky but ultimately quite sweet Mr. Grimwig.

Recommended Reading: David Copperfield is worth checking out, as is Bleak House. But be warned, those are both well over 500 pages. A Tale of Two Cities remains my favorite Dickens novel, and while it clocks in at "only" 409 pages, it is often said to be one of the hardest ones to get into.