Here i discussed about the life of Charles Dickens, Society and class poverty, Other issues in Novel, Dickens idea, Portrayed women characters and Powerlessness of Women
Gender Issues and Class Distintion in Oliver Twist
1.
2. Charles dickens
Charles Dickens (1812-1870) was a
typical product of Early Victorian
England. In the formative years of his
life, Dickens was shaken by the events
of the French revolution of 1789.
Society and Class is one of the central
themes of most of Dickens's novels.
Dickens tells us how superficial class
structures really are- at the core,
everyone’s really the same, regardless
of the social class into which they are
born.
3. Dickens is a 19th century writer who Used
novels, essay, and shorts stories and to
bring to social injustices against the poor.
Dickens believed in the ethical and
political potential of literature
In his work, Dickens largely reflect the
Political, social and economic aspect of the
society comprising of the poor, peasants,
worker, landlord, the rich and the state.
4. “ And what an excellent example of the power of
dress; Oliver Twist was. Wrapped in the blanket
which had hitherto formed his only covering, he
might have been the child of a nobleman or a
beggar- it would have been hard for the
haughtiest stranger to have fixed his station in
society. But now he was enveloped in the old
calico robes, that had grown yellow in the same
service he was badge and ticketed and fell into his
place at once- a parish child- the orphan of a
workhouse- the humble, half- starved drudge- to
be cuffed and buffeted through the world,
despised by all, and pitied by none”.
5. Societyandclass/Poverty
Society and class is one of the
central issue of most of Dickens's
novels. In Oliver Twist Dickens’s
often show superficial class
structure, and theme of poverty
is obviously related to theme of
society and class, it is showing
social class system.
Dickens throw light of this
issue in his novel.
6. • Board members of the workhouse were of
high class. Oliver is presented to them and is
told that he should consider himself
fortunate to work in the workhouse.
• This shows that they ruled over the people
of workhouse and decided what work each
individual has to do.
• Oliver’s dialogue- “Please Sir! I want some
more.”
7. Otherissuesinthenovel:
Identity, institutional cruelty, the importance of
upbringing, criminality, religion, mob mentality..etc…
The novel is set against the background of the New Poor
Law of 1834, which established a system of workhouses for
those who, because of poverty, sickness, mental disorder,
or age, could not provide for themselves. Young Oliver
Twist, an orphan, spends his first nine years in a “baby
farm,” a workhouse for children in which only the hardiest
survive. When Oliver goes to London, he innocently falls in
with a gang of youthful thieves and pickpockets headed by
a vile criminal named Fagin.
8. Dickens Idea
•In these novel Dickens
shows social Evil.
•Sorrow and suffering of
women.
•He also shows Middle
class and low class
female characters.
9. Portrayed Women characters
Women in love have
been portrayed with little
under standing of sex life.
The tragedy of love,
the tragedy of fitful
passion , of futile
affections .
10. Powerlessnessofwomen
Like a children women, too are
presented as the mercy of more powerful
in society.
This is especially exemplified in Nancy,
who ends up giving her life in her attempt
to act against the men who hold power
over her. When Nancy is put in charge of
taking Oliver to Sikes, she tells him that
she would help him if she could, but she
doesn’t have the power.
When Fagin scold her at that time she
told that; “Cold, dirty, wheat street is my
home” this reflects her mental situation.
11. We see gender discrimination in this novel.
Nancy is a prostitute and is a member in Fagin’s
gang. She is a noble person but at the end is killed
by Bill Sikes when she helps Mr. Brownlow for
Oliver’s rescue.
She regrets the things that she had been done to
Oliver especially since he was an innocent young
boy.
Concluding, we can say that class distinction and
gender discrimination existed in this era and is
clearly shown by Dickens.