Oliver Twist

Synopsis

The new Oxford World's Classics edition of Oliver Twist is based on the authoritative Clarendon edition, which uses Dickens's revised text of 1846. It includes his preface of 1841 in which he defended himself against hostile criticism, and includes all 24 original illustrations by George Cruikshank. Stephen Gill's groundbreaking Introduction gives a fascinating new account of the novel. He also provides appendices on Dickens and Cruikshank, on Dickens's Preface and the Newgate Novel Controversy, on Oliver Twist and the New Poor Law and on thieves' slang. ABOUT THE SERIES: For over 100 years Oxford World's Classics has made available the widest range of literature from around the globe. Each affordable volume reflects Oxford's commitment to scholarship, providing the most accurate text plus a wealth of other valuable features, including expert introductions by leading authorities, helpful notes to clarify the text, up-to-date bibliographies for further study, and much more.

Summary

Chapter 1: Oliver's Introduction

* Oliver is born to a woman dying in a workhouse.
* Real Example: Workhouses were notorious for harsh living conditions and poor treatment of the poor.

Chapter 2: Oliver's Early Years

* Oliver spends the first nine years of his life in a workhouse, neglected and mistreated.
* Real Example: Workhouses often had inadequate food, clothing, and medical care, resulting in high mortality rates.

Chapter 3: Oliver's Apprenticeship

* At age nine, Oliver is apprenticed to an undertaker.
* Real Example: Child labor was common in 19th-century England, with young children often put to work in factories or other trades.

Chapter 4: Oliver's Flight

* After being abused by the undertaker, Oliver runs away to London.
* Real Example: Destitute and orphaned children like Oliver often roamed the streets of London in search of survival.

Chapter 5: Oliver in London

* Oliver encounters a gang of young pickpockets led by the Artful Dodger.
* Real Example: Child criminal gangs were a major problem in industrial cities, where poverty and lack of opportunity forced children into crime.

Chapter 6: Oliver Joins the Gang

* Oliver is initiated into the gang and participates in their petty crimes.
* Real Example: Young pickpockets and thieves were known as "sneak thieves" and were often feared by the public.

Chapter 7: Oliver's Capture

* Oliver is caught trying to pickpocket Mr. Brownlow, who takes pity on him and offers him shelter.
* Real Example: Sympathetic individuals often provided refuge for street children, but official assistance was often lacking.

Chapter 8: Oliver's Illness

* Oliver becomes seriously ill and is cared for by Mrs. Bedwin, Mr. Brownlow's housekeeper.
* Real Example: Illnesses were common among poor and homeless children, who lacked access to proper healthcare.

Chapter 9: Oliver's Recovery

* Oliver slowly recovers and forms a bond with Mr. Brownlow.
* Real Example: Recovery from illness could be a long and difficult process for children, especially those living in harsh conditions.

Chapter 10: Oliver's Secret

* Nancy, a member of the pickpocket gang, learns of Oliver's connection to Mr. Brownlow and reveals it to the gang's leader, Fagin.
* Real Example: Informers and double-dealings were common in criminal underworld of London, where loyalties could shift quickly.