Oliver Twist Themes

The main themes in Oliver Twist are good versus evil, children in poverty, and class and fate.

  • Good versus evil: The novel juxtaposes characters whose motives are essentially good with those who are irremediably evil, showing that good ultimately triumphs.  
  • Children in poverty: The conditions for poor children in Victorian England were dangerous and bleak, as shown by the lives of the children in the novel.
  • Class and fate: Dickens explores the relationship between one's social class and one's fate, with a particular eye toward the class structure of Victorian England.

Themes: All Themes

Download PDF PDF Page Citation Cite Share Link Share

Themes: Good versus Evil

The theme of good versus evil—and the eventual triumph of the former—is prominent in Oliver Twist. This theme can be seen in Dickens’s juxtaposition of Oliver Twist and his friends in contrast to Fagin and the thieves. Villains like Sikes, Fagin, and Monks have few—if any—positive or redeemable qualities. They are only seen committing acts of crime, abuse, and subterfuge. Though they thrive for a time by profiting from the weak and the...

(Read more)

Themes: Children in Poverty

Oliver Twist presents a sobering portrait of the life of poverty in Victorian London. In his preface, Dickens asserts that he will not romanticize the circumstances in which his degraded criminals exist. He seeks to depict poverty “in its unattractive and repulsive truth” to force Victorian readers to reckon with the “depraved and miserable” reality, because “a lesson of purest good may be drawn from the vilest evil.” 

While Dickens...

(Read more)

Themes: Class and Fate

Oliver Twist portrays how the socioeconomic circumstances into which one is born inform and determine one’s fate. Being born poor or an orphan results in a particular set of options for a child in Victorian England. Both Oliver and Rose suffer as a result of their identity as orphans. Oliver never knows love or affection until he is nursed by Mrs. Bedwin at Brownlow’s house. The parochial system treats children like him as a burden. Oliver is...

(Read more)

Expert Q&A

What is the major theme of Dickens' Oliver Twist? Is it a novel or a novella?

Oliver Twist is a novel by Charles Dickens that primarily explores the theme of good versus evil, depicting Oliver as a symbol of goodness overcoming adversity. It also addresses the harsh impact of poverty, criticizing the dehumanizing effects of the Poor Laws and workhouses. Additionally, themes of alienation and societal corruption are evident, with characters representing extremes of virtue and vice. The novel critiques societal treatment of the poor and underscores Dickens' social commentary.

Is the theme of coincidence in Oliver Twist acceptable?

The theme of coincidence in Oliver Twist is acceptable due to Charles Dickens's storytelling prowess, which makes extraordinary coincidences believable. While critics often highlight the implausibility of such plot developments, Dickens's rich characterizations and attention to detail compensate for this. Key plot points, like Oliver's connection to Rose Maylie and Mr. Brownlow, hinge on coincidence, yet readers embrace them through the "suspension of disbelief," allowing these elements to reflect life's unpredictability.

Compare and contrast the themes in Slumdog Millionaire and Oliver Twist.

The stories of Oliver Twist and Slumdog Millionaire are somewhat similar. Both feature young, poor boys on a long journey out of poverty who are tricked by unsavory characters along the way, though there are key differences. Jamal seems to be in slightly better circumstances. He is, at least at a young age, afforded the comfort of his brother, Salim, and his friend, Latika. Oliver is constantly alone and has no truly trustworthy companion. In regard to the "big ticket" theme, there are a few similarities. Both Jamal and Oliver are brought out of their sad states by a large sum of money coming to them at once, and both suffer planned attempts to be robbed of it.

Analyzing the Theme of Cruelty in Oliver Twist Through the Characters of Mrs. Mann, Monks, and the Artful Dodger

The theme of cruelty in Oliver Twist is exemplified through characters like Mrs. Mann, Monks, and the Artful Dodger. Mrs. Mann mistreats children in her care, Monks schemes to ruin Oliver's life for personal gain, and the Artful Dodger, while seemingly friendly, introduces Oliver to a life of crime and exploitation.

Get Ahead with eNotes

Start your 48-hour free trial to access everything you need to rise to the top of the class. Enjoy expert answers and study guides ad-free and take your learning to the next level.

Get 48 Hours Free Access
Next

Themes: Good versus Evil

Loading...