Teen Ink Book Review
Oliver Twist is written by Charles Dickens. It was published in the early 1800’s (1838).
This story is about an orphan named Oliver Twist, after he was born his mother passed away shortly. For 9 years, Oliver lives in a poorly kept orphanage. After 9 years Oliver is then sent to an adult workhouse, which becomes not only a horrifying change, but also the beginning to many heart-stopping problems. Oliver couldn’t stand being in the workhouse any longer, so he decides to plan an escape to London. Shortly after he arrives, he meets a leader named Fagin, who is a leader of a group who pickpockets. Oliver believes they are there to help him but sooner he realizes that they aren’t there to help them but only to use him. Oliver begins to see that if he wants a change he can’t just sit and watch. Theme: The folly of individualism.
Symbols: Coffins
Coffins symbolizes not only the proximity of death throughout Oliver Twist, but as the real possibility that Oliver himself will not live past his high birth and receive his due heritance.
“Then come with me…your beds under the counter. You don’t mind sleeping among the coffins I suppose? But it doesn’t matter whether you do or don’t, for you can’t sleep anywhere else! Come!” (Chapter 4) Theme: Poverty
The main characters were Oliver Twist, Fagin, John Dawkins, Charlie Bates, Bill Sikes, Mr. Monks, Mr. Brownlow, Mr. Bumble, Nancy, Noah Claypole, Rose Maylie, Mrs. Maylie, Harry Maylie, and Doctor Losberne.
I can relate to the character Nancy because even though I have not personally experienced life as a young prostitute, I am fully aware that love can make you do an abundant amount of things that you would not normally do. I loved this book it had copious amounts of twists and turn, numberless heart-trembling moments, and intense attention-grabbers.