Oliver Twist by Charles Dickens | Another Book Review
Oliver Twist; or, The Parish Boy’s Progress, the second novel by Charles Dickens, first serialized between 1837 and 1839, is a monumental work that not only entertains but also indicts the societal ills of Victorian England. It is a novel that stirs the pot of the gothic genre, dips its narrative spoon into the murky waters of Newgate novels, yet serves a dish distinctly Dickensian in flavor — rich in social critique, laden with irony, and brimming with the kind of narrative complexity that keeps the pages turning.
The story of young Oliver, born into misery and misfortune in a workhouse, is a masterclass in storytelling from Dickens. From the infamous plea, “Please, sir, I want some more,” which exposes the callousness of the workhouse authorities, to his unwitting descent into the criminal underworld of London, Oliver’s journey is both harrowing and enlightening. Dickens uses Oliver’s innocent eyes to scrutinize the harsh realities of his day, from child labor to the corrupt legal system, making a compelling case against the dehumanizing effects of poverty.
A standout element of Oliver Twist is its rich gallery of characters, each bringing depth and flavor to the narrative. Fagin, the cunning miser who mentors a gang of pickpockets, is one of Dickens’s most memorable characters. Described with a blend of aversion and humanity, Fagin’s portrayal has stirred much controversy over the years due to its perceived anti-Semitic undertones. However, his character is a pivotal element of the narrative, showcasing Dickens’s flair for creating morally complex personalities.
Dickens’s narrative technique in this book reflects a gothic sensibility interwoven with urban realism. The grim locales of London — Fagin’s den, the seedy “Three Cripples” gin mill, the shadowy streets — are depicted with a vividness that almost makes the city itself a character in the tale. This setting serves as a backdrop for a plot that is both gothic and gripping, with elements of danger and despair frequently visited upon the young protagonist, much like the peril faced by classic gothic heroes and heroines.
Interestingly, Dickens intertwines these dark, dramatic themes with biting satire and irony, particularly through his depiction of the societal upper crust and legal authorities who are portrayed as out of touch and often hypocritical. This satirical edge adds a layer of richness to the novel, making it not just a tale of woe but a sharp critique of Victorian society.
Oliver Twist is also a structural marvel, with a narrative that weaves through various tones and themes. At times, it plunges the reader into deep despair, yet it is punctuated by moments of intense drama and poignant humanity that lighten the otherwise bleak narrative. Dickens’s use of coincidence and melodrama, hallmarks of his style, serve to tie the complex plot together, leading to a resolution that, while neatly tied, reflects the novel’s overarching call for social reform.
In retrospect, this novel is not just a narrative about the struggles of an orphan navigating a cruel world — it is a commentary on the social landscape of Dickens’s time. It dares to highlight the failings of societal institutions meant to protect the vulnerable. This book remains relevant as it resonates with current social issues, making it a timeless piece that appeals to the conscience of the reader.
As we close the pages of this stirring novel, we are left not only with a sense of the profound injustices of the past but with a lingering echo of Dickens’s call for humanity and kindness in the darkest of times. A literary journey through Oliver Twist is, indeed, as enriching as it is enlightening — worthy of the highest recommendation. Dickens, as this novel proves, is not just a writer but an institution, forever relevant in the annals of literature.
