1. Oliver Twist features characters from a wide range of social and economic backgrounds. How do class and financial status influence the characters in the story?

2. Compare Dickens's portrayal of men to his depiction of women in Oliver Twist. What traits does he attribute to his ideal woman? What about his ideal man? How do the characters in the novel embody or fall short of these ideals?

3. Oliver Twist explores themes of good and evil. How might Dickens define these concepts? What evidence from the novel supports your interpretation? How do the characters align with Dickens's definitions of good and evil?

4. What do you think Dickens's perspective is on Nancy? Is she primarily good or bad? How does Dickens reward or punish her, and for which aspects of her life?

5. What role does coincidence play in Oliver Twist? Do the connections between characters feel natural or contrived? How do these coincidences impact the reader's experience?