About Oliver Twist

About Oliver Twist

By: Sarah Fisher

In his preface to Oliver Twist, Charles Dickens expressed his disapproval of the popular portrayal of rogues as dashing and colorful figures. He believed such depictions were misleading and potentially harmful to impressionable readers. Dickens maintained that his characters, while seemingly extreme, reflected reality without distortion, even if they appeared implausible.

Dickens was often criticized for his exaggerated portrayal of the world. However, he argued that a novelist's role was to interpret life through the lens of fiction, drawing upon both experience and imagination. He believed that judging a writer's success required understanding their goals and intentions. Dickens was fascinated by extreme behavior and attitudes, and he possessed a knack for exaggeration. For him, reality served as a springboard for his imagination, creating a fictional world that mirrored the truths of the real world.

In line with his belief that the novel should serve a social purpose, Dickens used Oliver Twist to advocate for social reform. He did not advocate for the overthrow of the established order, but rather for the exposure of injustices and the need for improvement. Dickens believed that progress could be achieved through education, but he remained skeptical of institutions and systems. He placed his faith in the inherent goodness of humanity, believing that if people were not stifled, they would act with fairness.

Oliver Twist by Charles Dickens weaves a complex plot connecting a diverse cast of characters from different backgrounds. Despite their seemingly unrelated lives, they are all entangled in a shared narrative, illustrating Dickens’ belief that everyone’s life is interconnected and can be affected by others, including strangers. This interplay adds depth and intrigue to the story, creating a rich tapestry of mystery and suspense. 

Charles Dickens employs a sophisticated method of back-lighting to intricately depict and resolve complex situations. This approach effectively heightens suspense and maintains reader engagement. To integrate various characters into the unfolding narrative, Dickens frequently resorts to serendipity and fortuity. However, his skillful dramatization conceals these elements so well that they often go unnoticed by the audience.

Oliver Twist features two primary conflicts: Monks versus Oliver, and Fagin versus Sikes. Fagin, through his scheming with Monks, is central to both disputes. His choices set off a chain of events that intertwine these conflicts, leading to their eventual resolution. The novel gained immediate popularity upon its release due to its bold portrayal of crime and murder, earning it the label of a “Newgate novel” in Victorian London, a term derived from the infamous Newgate Prison. Oliver Twist remains popular for its incisive critique of historical social issues and its exciting plotline.

Dickens's characterization was often criticized for being flat and lacking depth. His characters were typically categorized as either virtuous or villainous, with little exploration of psychological complexities. This approach was intentional, as Dickens sought to create characters who would resonate with his audience and convey his message effectively.

Despite his faults, Dickens was a literary genius. His works were driven by a desire to entertain and educate his audience, reflecting the best of Victorian England. His popularity and enduring legacy are a testament to his extraordinary talent and the enduring appeal of his stories.

https://www.cliffsnotes.com/literature/o/oliver-twist/critical-essays/plot-and-structure-of-oliver-twist

https://www.britannica.com/topic/Oliver-Twist-novel-by-Dickens