Montreal Dickens Fellowship Study Questions: “Oliver Twist”
Westmount Public Library
January 7, 2014 2:30-4:30
Chapters 25-32
- Compare the characters of Charlie Bates and the Artful Dodger. Is one a foil for the other? Are they sympathetic characters?
- Why do you think Fagin was so upset that Oliver was left in a ditch. Do you think he cared for the boy? Was he worried he would snitch on him if found alive?
- Who is Mr. Monks? What is his interest in Oliver? Does Dickens give us any clues? Do you think Nancy was really drunk? Was she the woman Monks thought he saw? Comment on how Dickens creates suspense and mystery. ““ The board allows you coal, don’t they Mrs. Corey,” affectionately inquired the beadle.”
- Dickens is a master of “show, don’t tell”. His characters’ actions and speech speak volumes. How do Mr. Bumble and Mrs. Corney’s words and behaviors reveal their greed and hypocrisy? Can you think of examples?
- In the midst of the suspense and action of Oliver’s struggle to rise and walk away from the ditch, Dickens beautifully describes a wet morning. Comment on his genius in description and setting the mood, stimulating our senses and making us feel as though we are there.
- Comment on the angelic character of Rose Maylie in light of Dickens recent loss of his 17-year-old sister-in-law Mary Hogarth. Is she a realistic character? Is Dickens description of the halcyon days Oliver spends with the Maylie’s too overdone?
- What do you think Dickens’ opinion of the Bow Street runners was? Do you think in making the Doctor so very good and kind, he was making amends for lampooning the medical profession in Pickwick.
- Sadly, many of us has lost a loved one or seen them suffer a threatening illness. Dickens had just had the horrific experience of his young sister-in-law dying in his arms in his home. He was just 25 years old at the time. Do you think his description of the emotions of the family dealing with deadly illness was accurate and moving?
- For the second time, Oliver, while trying to do a good deed to pay back the kindness of others, encounters the villains in his story. Does this coincidence detract from your enjoyment of the book? Is it too unbelievable?