Oliver Twist: Chapter II - Asking for More

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Questions and Answers

In what year was 'Oliver Twist' first published?

  • 1901
  • 1873
  • 1837 (correct)
  • 1783

What is Oliver Twist's living situation as described in the passage?

  • He lives with his wealthy family.
  • He is a student at a boarding school.
  • He resides in a government workhouse. (correct)
  • He works as an apprentice in a shop.

How old is Oliver Twist in Chapter II, according to the text?

  • 10 years old
  • 9 years old (correct)
  • 7 years old
  • 8 years old

What is the main reason the boys in the workhouse are described as 'voracious and wild with hunger'?

<p>They suffer from slow starvation over months. (C)</p>
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Why did the boys hold a 'council' in the workhouse?

<p>To decide who would ask for more food. (C)</p>
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What prompted the boy who 'was tall for his age' to suggest drastic measures?

<p>His hunger was so intense he considered cannibalism. (B)</p>
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What was 'gruel' in the context of the workhouse?

<p>A thin porridge served as food. (B)</p>
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How is the master dressed when he serves the gruel?

<p>In his cook's uniform. (D)</p>
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What word best describes Oliver's demeanor when he asks for more food?

<p>Alarmed at his own temerity (C)</p>
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What is the master's initial physical reaction when Oliver asks for more food?

<p>He turns very pale. (A)</p>
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After turning pale, what does the master do immediately after Oliver's request?

<p>He gazes in stupefied astonishment and clings to the copper. (A)</p>
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How are the master's assistants described as reacting to Oliver's request?

<p>They are paralysed with wonder. (B)</p>
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What is the reaction of the other boys in the workhouse to Oliver asking for more?

<p>They are paralysed with fear. (C)</p>
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With what object does the master strike Oliver?

<p>A ladle (C)</p>
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What action does the master take immediately after striking Oliver with the ladle?

<p>He pinions Oliver in his arm and shrieks for the beadle. (D)</p>
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The phrase 'short commons' in the context of the grace said over the meal most likely implies:

<p>Meager food rations. (A)</p>
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What does the detail about the tall boy's father owning a 'small cook-shop' suggest about the boy's background and current situation?

<p>He had experienced a better standard of living previously, making the starvation more impactful. (A)</p>
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Oliver's act of asking for more food can be interpreted as a symbol of:

<p>The failure of the workhouse system to provide basic sustenance. (A)</p>
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The master being described as 'fat, healthy man' in contrast to the starving boys serves to:

<p>Emphasize the injustice and disparity within the workhouse system. (A)</p>
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Consider the reactions of the master, assistants, and boys. What does the passage suggest about the social hierarchy and power dynamics within the workhouse?

<p>It portrays a rigid social hierarchy where any deviation from expected behavior by the lower class is met with harsh reprisal. (D)</p>
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Flashcards

Oliver Twist

A novel by Charles Dickens published in 1837, portraying poverty in England through the life of an orphan.

Workhouse

Where Oliver Twist lives, characterized by minimal feeding of the residents.

Slow Starvation

Caused by prolonged starvation, leading the boys to extreme desperation.

Gruel Per Diem

A proposal from a boy suggesting he might eat another due to extreme hunger if rations don't increase.

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"Please, sir, I want some more."

Oliver asks for more food, challenging the workhouse's system.

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Master's Astonishment

The master's reaction after Oliver's request to hit Oliver's head with his laddle.

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Study Notes

  • Oliver Twist was published in 1837 and is one of Charles Dickens' most famous works.
  • It tells the tale of Oliver Twist, an orphan boy growing up in poverty in England.
  • In Chapter II, Oliver is 9 years old and living in a government workhouse.
  • The workhouse officials provide very little food to the residents.
  • Oliver and his companions suffered slow starvation for three months.
  • The boys became voracious due to hunger.
  • One boy hinted he might eat the boy who slept next to him if they didn't get more gruel.
  • The other boy was a weakly youth of tender age.
  • The boys implicitly believed him.
  • A council was held, and lots were cast to decide who would ask for more food.
  • The lot fell to Oliver Twist.
  • The boys took their places for the evening meal.
  • The master, in his cook's uniform, stood at the copper.
  • Pauper assistants ranged themselves behind the master.
  • Gruel was served out, and a long grace was said.
  • The gruel disappeared quickly.
  • The boys whispered to each other and winked at Oliver.
  • His neighbors nudged him.
  • Oliver, desperate with hunger and misery, rose from the table.
  • He approached the master with his basin and spoon in hand.
  • Oliver, alarmed at his temerity, said "Please, sir, I want some more."
  • The master was a fat, healthy man, but he turned pale with shock.
  • He gazed in stupefied astonishment at Oliver.
  • The master clung to the copper for support.
  • The assistants were paralysed with wonder, and the boys with fear.
  • The master said "What!" in a faint voice.
  • Oliver replied, "Please, sir, I want some more."
  • The master "aimed a blow at Oliver's head with the ladle; pinioned him in his arm; and shrieked aloud for the beadle."

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