OLIVER TWIST, Charles Twist
Oliver Twist, in full Oliver Twist; or, The Parish Boy’s Progress, 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 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.
