INTRODUCTION OF CHARLES DICKENS

Charles Dickens (1812-1870) was a British novelist, social critic, and one of the greatest
writers of the Victorian era. His works have left an indelible mark on English literature, and
his legacy continues to influence the world of letters to this day. Dickens was born in
Portsmouth, England, to John and Elizabeth Dickens. His family was middle-class, but they
fell on hard times when John Dickens was imprisoned for debt. Charles was forced to leave
school at the age of 12 and began working in a factory to support his family. Despite his lack
of formal education, Dickens had a natural talent for writing and began his career as a
journalist before turning to fiction. His first novel, "The Pickwick Papers," was published in
1836 and was an instant success. Over the course of his career, he went on to write many
other classic novels, including "Oliver Twist," "David Copperfield," "Great Expectations," and
"A Tale of Two Cities." His works were known for their social commentary and depictions of
Victorian society, and he used his writing to advocate for social justice and change. One of
Dickens' enduring legacies is his creation of some of the most memorable characters in
English literature. From the tragic orphan Oliver Twist to the miserly Ebenezer Scrooge in "A
Christmas Carol," Dickens' characters are vividly drawn and have become part of our cultural
lexicon. His descriptions of Victorian London are equally memorable, and his works provide a
window into the social and political issues of the time. In addition to his literary
achievements, Dickens was also a philanthropist who worked tirelessly to improve the lives
of the poor and disadvantaged. He was a supporter of social reform and used his writing to
highlight the injustices of his time. His activism was particularly evident in his work as a
journalist, where he wrote extensively on issues such as child labor and public health.
Dickens was also a prominent public figure, known for his dramatic readings of his own
works. He traveled extensively throughout the United Kingdom and the United States, giving
public readings to packed audiences. His performances were wildly popular and helped to
make him one of the most famous people of his time. Despite his great success as a writer,
Dickens' personal life was marked by tragedy and turmoil. He had a difficult marriage and
suffered from depression, which he struggled with throughout his life. He died in 1870 at the
age of 58, leaving behind a body of work that has endured for over a century and a half. In
conclusion, Charles Dickens was a literary giant whose works have had a profound impact on
English literature and the world of letters. His enduring legacy is not only in his literary
achievements but also in his advocacy for social justice and reform. His influence can still be
seen in the works of writers today, and his contribution to literature and society continues to
be celebrated around the world.
 SUMMARY OF OLIVER TWIST
"Oliver Twist" is a classic novel by Charles Dickens, first published in 1838. It tells the story
of a young orphan boy named Oliver who is forced to navigate the harsh realities of
Victorian England. The novel explores themes of poverty, social injustice, and morality.
Oliver Twist is born in a workhouse and raised in a cruel and oppressive environment. He is
sold into an apprenticeship with an undertaker, but eventually runs away and makes his way
to London, where he is taken in by a gang of young pickpockets led by the infamous Fagin.
Oliver is quickly thrust into a life of crime, but he remains fundamentally good-hearted and
struggles to reconcile his actions with his sense of morality. He is eventually rescued by a
wealthy benefactor, Mr. Brownlow, who takes him into his home and tries to help him find a
better life. However, the criminal underworld led by Fagin is not willing to let Oliver go so
easily. They kidnap him and attempt to force him back into a life of crime. Eventually, Oliver
is rescued again, this time by the police. Fagin and his associates are arrested, and Oliver is
reunited with Mr. Brownlow. Throughout the novel, Dickens uses Oliver's story to shine a
light on the harsh realities of Victorian England. He portrays the workhouse system as
inhumane and oppressive, and highlights the plight of the poor and the criminal underclass.
He also explores themes of morality and the struggle between good and evil, and the role of
society in shaping the lives of its citizens. One of the most memorable characters in the
novel is Fagin, the leader of the gang of pickpockets. He is portrayed as a manipulative and
cunning figure, but also as a product of his environment. He is a complex and nuanced
character, and his portrayal highlights the ways in which poverty and social injustice can
shape the lives of even the most villainous individuals. Another important character in the
novel is Nancy, a prostitute who is involved with Fagin's gang. Despite her own difficult
circumstances, she is shown to have a strong sense of morality and compassion. Her tragic
fate underscores the harsh realities faced by women in Victorian England, and the limited
options available to those in poverty. Overall, "Oliver Twist" is a powerful and poignant novel
that explores some of the most pressing social issues of Dickens' time. Its enduring
popularity is a testament to its timeless themes and the richness of its characters. It remains
a classic work of English literature and an important piece of social commentary.
 INTRODUCTION THE CHARACTERS OF OLIVER TWIST
Oliver Twist - The protagonist of the novel, a young orphan boy who is born and raised in a
workhouse. He is kind, innocent, and naïve, but he possesses a strong sense of morality and
compassion for others.

Fagin - A cunning and manipulative criminal who trains young boys to be pickpockets and
thieves. He is the leader of a gang of criminals and is always on the lookout for new recruits.

Bill Sikes - A brutal and violent criminal who is a member of Fagin's gang. He is feared by
many, including his own gang members, and is known for his quick temper and
unpredictable behavior.

Nancy - A prostitute who is also a member of Fagin's gang. She has a kind heart and takes
pity on Oliver, but she is also torn between her loyalty to the gang and her desire to help the
boy.

Mr. Bumble - The pompous and self-important beadle of the workhouse where Oliver was
raised. He is cruel and callous, and he has no compassion for the poor or disadvantaged.

Mr. Brownlow - A wealthy gentleman who takes pity on Oliver and offers to help him. He is
kind and generous, and he serves as a father figure to the young boy.

Mrs. Maylie - A wealthy woman who takes Oliver into her home and cares for him like he is
her own son. She is kind, gentle, and nurturing, and she helps Oliver to recover from his
traumatic experiences.

MY HYPOTHESIS
As a work of fiction, Oliver Twist does not have a scientific hypothesis to be tested in the
same way that a scientific study might. However, in my opinion that the novel's overarching
themes and social commentary reflect a hypothesis or argument about the injustices and
inequalities of Victorian society.

One possible hypothesis that the novel puts forth is that poverty and social inequality are at
the root of many societal problems, including crime and corruption. The novel depicts a
world where the poor are marginalized and oppressed, with little hope for a better life. The
characters of Fagin, Bill Sikes, and their associates are shown to be products of this
oppressive system, turning to a life of crime out of desperation and necessity. In contrast,
the characters of Oliver, Mr. Brownlow, and Mrs. Maylie represent a more compassionate
and just society, one where wealth and privilege are used to help those in need rather than
exploit them. The novel suggests that if society were to prioritize the welfare of the poor and
vulnerable, rather than perpetuating social hierarchies and divisions, many of the problems
depicted in the novel could be alleviated.
Overall, the hypothesis of Oliver Twist could be seen as a critique of the societal structures
and values of Victorian England, and a call for greater compassion and justice in the
treatment of the marginalized and disadvantaged.