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Criminality - Themes, Oliver Twist | Oliver Twist - Summary, Themes & Characters - Novels PDF Download

Crime was a huge problem in London in the 1830s, when Dickens was writing. Novels and plays about crime were hugely popular. Some novelists wrote about crime because they had a particular point to make about the source of criminal behavior, or possible solutions to the crime wave. Other novelists wrote about crime just because they knew it would sell.

Oliver Twist was hugely popular, but Dickens definitely had a point to make: he wanted to show how criminals really lived, in order to discourage poor people from turning to crime. He also wanted to show how external influences created criminal behavior as much or more than natural criminal urges.


Questions About Criminality

  1. Members of Fagin’s gang aren’t the only thieves in this novel. Who else steals? From whom?
  2. Do any thieves go unpunished? Why do you think that is?
  3. Oliver doesn’t understand thieves’ cant, and the Dodger or Charley always has to translate. Why does Dickens keep pointing this out?
  4. In the world of Oliver Twist, what causes an individual to turn to crime?

Chew on This

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

In Oliver Twist, Dickens seems to be arguing that influence and environment, rather than inherent vice, cause criminal behavior; however, that position is undermined by several characters.
Criminality in Oliver Twist is not limited to the lower classes: characters like Monks and Mr. and Mrs. Bumble show all levels of Victorian society are equally culpable.

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FAQs on Criminality - Themes, Oliver Twist - Oliver Twist - Summary, Themes & Characters - Novels

1. What are some common themes related to criminality in Oliver Twist?
Ans. Some common themes related to criminality in Oliver Twist include poverty and desperation leading to criminal behavior, the corrupting influence of the criminal underworld, the exploitation of children by criminals, the consequences of criminal actions, and the potential for redemption and reform.
2. How does Oliver Twist portray the link between poverty and criminality?
Ans. Oliver Twist portrays the link between poverty and criminality by depicting how individuals, particularly children, are driven to criminal behavior as a means of survival due to extreme poverty. The novel highlights the desperate circumstances faced by the poor, which push them towards a life of crime.
3. What role does the criminal underworld play in Oliver Twist?
Ans. The criminal underworld in Oliver Twist plays a significant role in the narrative. It serves as a backdrop for the story, showcasing the activities of various criminal characters such as Fagin, Sikes, and the Artful Dodger. The criminal underworld represents a corrupt and dangerous environment where exploitation and illegal activities thrive.
4. How does Oliver Twist explore the exploitation of children by criminals?
Ans. Oliver Twist explores the exploitation of children by criminals by illustrating how Fagin, a criminal mastermind, manipulates and trains young boys, including Oliver, to become skilled pickpockets. The novel sheds light on the vulnerability of children in such situations and the moral implications of their involvement in criminal activities.
5. Does Oliver Twist provide any hope for redemption and reform of criminals?
Ans. Yes, Oliver Twist provides hope for redemption and reform of criminals. Characters like Nancy, despite being involved in criminal activities, show acts of kindness and compassion towards Oliver. The novel suggests that individuals, even those deeply involved in criminality, have the potential for moral growth and the possibility of leaving behind their criminal past.
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