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The Artful Dodger - Characters, Oliver Twist | Oliver Twist - Summary, Themes & Characters - Novels PDF Download

The Artful Dodger is one of the most famous and memorable characters in the novel... and it's not because he has the coolest street name in all of London.

He provides comic relief in part because of his anti-establishment, devil-may-care attitude, but also because of the odd juxtapositions of opposites that he provides. He can’t be more than twelve, but he acts like a full-grown man, and even wears men’s clothes (with the sleeves rolled way up: suave). He talks and walks like a man, and the contrast between his attitude and his size is pretty funny. He also is one of the main "canters" of the novel—he speaks almost entirely in thieves’ cant, which gives Dickens a chance to show off what he knows, and gives the reader the titillating impression that he or she is glimpsing some authentic view of the criminal underworld.

Some critics think that the Artful Dodger is based on the historical robber and prison-breaker, Jack Sheppard. It’s possible, especially given that Dickens’s friend William Harrison Ainsworth was writing a novel about Jack Sheppard at the same time that Dickens was working on Oliver Twist.

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FAQs on The Artful Dodger - Characters, Oliver Twist - Oliver Twist - Summary, Themes & Characters - Novels

1. Who is the Artful Dodger in Oliver Twist?
The Artful Dodger is a character in Charles Dickens' novel Oliver Twist. He is a skilled pickpocket and one of the young members of Fagin's gang of thieves. He takes Oliver under his wing and introduces him to a life of crime.
2. What is the role of the Artful Dodger in Oliver Twist?
The Artful Dodger plays a significant role in Oliver Twist. He serves as a mentor and guide to Oliver, showing him the ways of the criminal underworld. He introduces Oliver to Fagin and the gang, and together they engage in various pickpocketing activities.
3. Is the Artful Dodger a sympathetic character in Oliver Twist?
The Artful Dodger's character is often seen as complex and multidimensional. While he is a skilled thief and involved in criminal activities, he also possesses a certain charm and wit that make him a likable character. Some readers sympathize with him due to his difficult upbringing and the influence of Fagin.
4. Did the Artful Dodger have a redemption arc in Oliver Twist?
No, the Artful Dodger does not have a redemption arc in Oliver Twist. He remains loyal to Fagin and continues his life of crime until the end of the novel. However, it is worth noting that Dickens leaves some room for interpretation, and the Dodger's fate is not explicitly stated.
5. How does the Artful Dodger's character contribute to the overall themes of Oliver Twist?
The Artful Dodger's character contributes to the exploration of themes such as poverty, corruption, and the influence of environment in Oliver Twist. His presence highlights the harsh realities of London's criminal underworld and the challenges faced by children who are forced into a life of crime. Additionally, his relationship with Oliver raises questions about the nature of loyalty and the possibility of redemption.
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