Oliver Twist highlights the mistreatment of orphans in the nineteenth century by depicting their abuse. How does our society treat orphans today? Research and write about the experiences of children whose parents are deceased or unknown and who lack family members willing to care for them.

Fagin is condemned to death for his crimes. Do you believe this punishment is justified? Why or why not?

Despite enduring starvation and abuse in his childhood, Oliver remains exceptionally "good." Do you find this portrayal realistic? Why or why not?

Explore what life was like in mid-nineteenth-century London. If you lived there, what job might you have had? Describe what your daily life would have been like.

Fagin is portrayed as evil and cunning, and Dickens often notes his Jewish identity, which has led some critics to accuse Dickens of anti-Semitism. However, this might not be accurate. How prevalent was anti-Semitism during Dickens's era? Research and write about the perception and treatment of Jewish people in nineteenth-century England.