Orphan of the Mist

Author: (British) Charles Dickens
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2005-01-01
Features: Oliver Twist is a great social critique novel by Dickens, holding an important position in the history of world literature. The novel primarily reflects the harsh realities of the lower strata of British society shortly after the Poor Law was enacted. Oliver, an abandoned infant of the wealthy, struggles in an orphanage for nine years before being sent to work as an apprentice for a coffin maker. Unable to endure the unbearable hunger, poverty, and humiliation, Oliver escapes to London and is forced into theft. He was taken in by the wealthy Mr. Brownlow but was unfortunately discovered by a young thief and returned to the thieves' den. The kind female thief, Nancy, to save Oliver, ignores the surveillance and threats of the den leader and informs Mr. Brownlow that Oliver is the long-lost grandson he has been searching for. Nancy is killed by the den leader, and the police subsequently raid the thieves' den. Oliver is finally reunited with his family. Dickens is clear in his love and hate in his writing, fully embodying his vivid storytelling characteristics. The characters he portrays are rich in distinct personalities, and the entire work possesses a strong emotional impact. Dickens can be considered an outstanding master of language, skilled in using irony, humor, and exaggeration. The characters and language style in his works are deeply imbued with romanticism.