Social Inequality In Oliver Twist

Oliver Twist is the best text studied in English class because of its grip on the reader. The reason the story is still in circulation today is because of its on-going relevance and appeal to readers of any generation. In comparison to The Brief Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao and Pride and Prejudice, the superiority of Oliver Twist is particularly noticeable in two of the criteria for great literature determined by the class: the characterization in the story, and the ideas displayed by the author. Charles Dickens’ creates key characters and the theme of ‘social inequality leads to the unfair irreversible fate of individuals’ by developing a clear criticism of society through his effective use of various perspectives and satirical language. The …show more content…
The decisions and events that happen to Oliver without his control criticize class inequality. When introducing the story of Oliver, Dicken’s writes, “He might have been the child of a nobleman or a beggar… But now that he was enveloped in the old calico robes which had grown yellow in the same service, he was badged and ticketed, and fell into his place at once – a parish child – the orphan of a – workhouse… to be cuffed and buffeted through the world – despised by all, and pitied by none” (Dickens). The author blames social inequality and the assumptions made about a human for the unchangeable circumstance of that individual. This theme is further pushed with the introduction of each character. First, there is Mrs. Mann, who takes advantage of orphans (including Oliver) unable to care for themselves to benefit herself. Next, there are the rich fat men, who hold entire properties of orphaned children (including Oliver) that are fed minimum food in return for mandatory work. The conditions of the people those places are slave-like. There is nothing that can be done by the affected person to improve his/her own current state. Characters in the story have complete control over Oliver, and he can’t do anything about it. They expect him to be a minion and find it staggering when he does not act like the loyal animal he is perceived to have to be: “‘Please, sir, I want some more.’ The master… turned very pale. He gazed in stupefied astonishment on the small rebel… The master aimed a blow at Oliver’s head with the ladle…” (Dickens). This event displays how the master regards Oliver, and how he reacts to Oliver’s disobedience. This weak little child manages to astonish a large man, in the ironic situation where the child is in a position of weakness. The reaction could be described as exaggerated, but it