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Society and Class - Themes, Oliver Twist | Oliver Twist - Summary, Themes & Characters - Novels PDF Download

"Society and Class" is one of the central themes of most Dickens novels. In Oliver Twist, Dickens often shows how superficial class structures really are—at the core, everyone’s really the same, regardless of the social class into which they’re born.

Dickens also exposes how callous and uncaring Victorian society was—folks just ignored the plight of the less fortunate because they were so self-satisfied, and so convinced that the systems they had in place to take care of the poor were the best and most humane systems possible.


Questions About Society and Class

  1. In the world of Oliver Twist, is the middle class always morally superior to the working class?
  2. In the Bayton episode of Book I, Chapter Five, Mr. Bayton blames his wife’s death on some undefined "they:" "They starved her!" he repeats several times (5.69). Who is the "they" he’s condemning, and how can you tell?
  3. Are members of the upper class ever mentioned in Oliver Twist? By whom, and in what light? What does that say about the position of the middle class characters?
  4. Is the reader condemned along with the rest of "society" in Oliver Twist?

Chew on This

Try on an opinion or two, start a debate, or play the devil’s advocate.

Although Dickens spends a lot of narrative energy in depicting the plight of the poor and working class in Oliver Twist, the final chapters of the novel serve to reinforce the moral superiority of the middle class.
Dickens satirizes the complacency of all of Victorian society in Oliver Twist, and although he occasionally addresses the reader as a peer, more often than not, he condemns the reader along with the rest of society.

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FAQs on Society and Class - Themes, Oliver Twist - Oliver Twist - Summary, Themes & Characters - Novels

1. What are the main themes explored in the novel Oliver Twist?
Ans. The main themes explored in the novel Oliver Twist are society and class. The story delves into the stark contrast between the upper and lower classes, highlighting the injustices and hardships faced by the poor and marginalized individuals in society.
2. How does Oliver's social class affect his experiences and treatment in the novel?
Ans. Oliver's social class greatly influences his experiences and treatment in the novel. As an orphan from a lower class background, he is subjected to mistreatment, abuse, and neglect. He is often seen as a mere commodity by those in higher social positions and is denied basic rights and privileges.
3. How does the theme of society impact the characters in Oliver Twist?
Ans. The theme of society in Oliver Twist greatly impacts the characters. It highlights the divide between the rich and the poor, illustrating the ways in which society can be oppressive and unforgiving. Characters like Oliver, who come from disadvantaged backgrounds, face numerous obstacles and discrimination due to their social status.
4. What role does social class play in shaping the plot of Oliver Twist?
Ans. Social class plays a significant role in shaping the plot of Oliver Twist. It drives the narrative by creating conflicts and power dynamics between different characters. The stark contrast between the upper and lower classes influences the characters' actions, motivations, and interactions, ultimately shaping the trajectory of the story.
5. How does the novel Oliver Twist critique the social and class structures of Victorian society?
Ans. The novel Oliver Twist serves as a critique of the social and class structures prevalent in Victorian society. It exposes the harsh realities faced by the poor and sheds light on the corruption, inequality, and moral decay within the upper classes. Through its portrayal of Oliver's journey, the novel challenges the notion of social hierarchy and calls for greater compassion and empathy towards those less fortunate.
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