Book Review Of Oliver Twist By Charles Dickens
This book was chosen because I believe it’s a classic. After knowing about half of the story in my class 8th curriculum, I was motivated to read the remaining part of the story which has an intriguing appeal to it. The story explains about the social evils prevalent during the Industrial Revolution which took place in the 19th century. The evils were differences in the class, child labour and the exploitation of the poor. The book speaks volume about the conditions of the poor and the power of the rich, it throws light on the society which was patriarchal; where women were used as objects of gratification for men. The story revolves around ‘Oliver’, who is poor as well as an orphan. The impact of the social evils on Oliver’s life makes one think about the humanity of humans. The plight of Oliver who was orphaned and made to work in a warehouse with little to no pay at the tender age of 9 and then the rounds and turns his life takes from there is truly astonishing.
Oliver Twist was born in a workhouse and sold into apprenticeship. He escapes and travels to London, where he meets "The Artful Dodger" who is a member of a gang of juvenile pickpockets led by the senior most criminal, Fagin. Oliver Twist is stricken by poverty and misfortune, raised in a workhouse in the town of Mudfog, near London. He is orphaned by his mother Agnes' death in childbirth and his father's mysterious absence. Oliver is taken care under the Poor Law and spends nine years of his life living at a baby farm under the 'care' of Mrs. Mann. Oliver gets little to no food and few comforts. When Oliver is almost about to be nine, the parish beadle who is Mr. Bumble, removes Oliver from the baby farm and sends him to work, picking and weaving oakum at the workhouse. He slogs for very little food and stays in the workhouse for six months. The hungry boys decide to bet one day and the one who loses must ask for another portion of food. Oliver gets trapped and at the next meal comes trembling with a bowl in hand. He begs Mr. Bumble for gruel with his request. A great commotion occurs and the board of gentlemen who administer the workhouse offer £5 to any person who takes Oliver as an apprentice. A brutal chimney sweep, Mr. Gamfield had almost claimed Oliver but Oliver begs not to be sent away with him. Then, Mr. Sowerberry who is an undertaker employed by the parish takes Oliver with him. He treats him good and uses Oliver as a mourner at children’s funerals. However, Oliver’s life takes unprecedented turns from here and he is forced to run away from Mr. Sowerberry’s house. The book subtly describes the problems Oliver faces as a child and the revelations which he has to go through.
The other
characters in the story help interact as if they are real. One can actually
imagine the era and the atmosphere of those times. This is the excellence of
Dickens, who puts his heart and soul in the words he writes. Each scene is the
experience of Dickens life. Dickens was also forced to work when he was a child.
His father got arrested for not paying back his debt and Dickens paid
it by working through his tender years. Although he worked in the latter years, this experience left an indelible mark on his mind. The young characters in Dicken’s books often suffer great pain and hardships. He has acknowledged his childhood and expressed it in almost all his books. The story lays the foundation for a brilliant vocabulary. It weaves the words into beautiful prose. One is subjected to an early access to the truth of human nature through Oliver Twist!
Reviewer:
Shaikh Anam, Roll no. 43
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