Montreal Dickens Fellowship Study Questions: “Oliver Twist”
Westmount Public Library
October 1, 2013 2:30-4:30
Chapters 1-8
- The first chapter of a book sets the tone of the story to come and introduces themes that will be expanded upon as we read on. How does Dickens use setting and characters to achieve this end in “Oliver Twist”?
- Comment on Dickens’ use of humor through sarcasm as he describes Oliver’s introduction to the world. Does his “tongue in cheek” style of writing make the abuse and neglect that he is describing easier to tolerate? What emotions does he instill in you? Pity? Anger?
- In what way is mystery and suspense introduced into the novel?
- The Poor Act of 1834, in which recipients of government relief were separated from their families and made to live in workhouses where conditions for the most destitute of society were brutal, inspired Dickens to write “Oliver Twist”. Do you think that exposing the consequences of this inhumane legislation through the story of a child is an effective means to achieve reform?
- “Please sir can I have some more?” is such an iconic phrase. By choosing the short straw, Oliver Twist is destined to follow a path of rebellion against the “Do-Good” establishment that blindly and irresponsibly perpetrate the abuses. Yet it is not only fate that drives Oliver’s actions as the story progresses. Discuss how Oliver is shown to have the positive attributes of spirit and strength of character, through his love for his mother, kindness towards his dying little friend and ultimate defiance against the bullies around him.
- Comment on Dickens mastery of “Show, Don’t Tell” in his description of the chimney sweep through his treatment of his donkey. Dickens’ characters reveal themselves by their reactions to and treatment of others. Find other examples.
- Dickens’ descriptions are filled with amazing details which all contribute to the story. Mr. Sowerberry’s coffin shaped snuffbox and Mr. Bumble’s Good Samaritan buttons are examples of this. Comment.
- Bullying continues to be a serious issue today. Discuss Noah Claypole as both a bully and a victim. Do you feel sorry for him? Why? Why not?
- The starving woman is offered “help” in a blacking bottle, symbolizing senseless, thoughtless and ineffectual charity and a complete lack of understanding for poverty and hunger on the part of the “well-meaning” middle class world. How might this tie in to Dickens’ own experience in the blacking factory?
- It is difficult to conceive of a small boy with hardly any means of food or shelter walking 70 miles to London. Only the rare kindness of strangers helps him to survive. Discuss Dickens’ use of pathos to make his point.
- How is London portrayed? What is your impression of its filth and the abundance of homeless men, women and children? Dickens knew London well. It is often said that London is one of the main “characters” in Dickens’ novels. Comment.
- What is your first impression of Fagin and his den? Does Oliver recognize that he is a thief? Do you believe in his naivety, when he has already been exposed to such a dark side of humanity?