Podcast
Questions and Answers
Considering the context of Oliver Twist's birth, what societal commentary is implied by the initial doubt surrounding his survival?
Considering the context of Oliver Twist's birth, what societal commentary is implied by the initial doubt surrounding his survival?
- The indifference to infant mortality among the upper classes.
- The rigorous health standards enforced in Victorian England.
- The advanced state of medical knowledge in workhouses.
- The negligible value placed on the lives of workhouse children. (correct)
When the doctor examines Oliver's deceased mother, the absence of a wedding ring prompts him to remark, 'The old story.' What does this imply about the prevailing societal attitudes and assumptions of the time?
When the doctor examines Oliver's deceased mother, the absence of a wedding ring prompts him to remark, 'The old story.' What does this imply about the prevailing societal attitudes and assumptions of the time?
- A newfound respect for unmarried mothers.
- A widespread acceptance of non-traditional relationships.
- A judgmental view towards unwed mothers and their social standing. (correct)
- A sympathetic understanding of economic hardships affecting marriage.
Mrs. Mann receives seven and a half pence each week for each child under her care, yet the narrative states she kept the greater part of the weekly allowance for herself, giving the children hardly enough to keep them alive. What systemic issue does this highlight regarding the administration of public assistance?
Mrs. Mann receives seven and a half pence each week for each child under her care, yet the narrative states she kept the greater part of the weekly allowance for herself, giving the children hardly enough to keep them alive. What systemic issue does this highlight regarding the administration of public assistance?
- The minimal corruption within the established societal sectors.
- The efficient oversight of public funds to ensure proper allocation.
- The equitable distribution of resources to benefit the children.
- The rampant corruption and diversion of funds intended for the poor. (correct)
On Oliver's ninth birthday, he is found in the coal cellar, having been beaten with two other children for daring to say they were hungry. How does this event most directly reflect the broader social injustices prevalent during the period?
On Oliver's ninth birthday, he is found in the coal cellar, having been beaten with two other children for daring to say they were hungry. How does this event most directly reflect the broader social injustices prevalent during the period?
When Mr. Bumble arrives to take Oliver back to the workhouse, Oliver witnesses Mrs. Mann making threatening gestures behind Mr. Bumble's chair. Given the implicit power dynamics, what does this scene infer about Mrs. Mann's true feelings toward Oliver and her actual motivations?
When Mr. Bumble arrives to take Oliver back to the workhouse, Oliver witnesses Mrs. Mann making threatening gestures behind Mr. Bumble's chair. Given the implicit power dynamics, what does this scene infer about Mrs. Mann's true feelings toward Oliver and her actual motivations?
In the workhouse, children receive three meals of thin soup a day, with an onion twice a week and half a cake on Sundays. What statement most accurately reflects the intended purpose of this meager diet within the broader context of workhouse operations?
In the workhouse, children receive three meals of thin soup a day, with an onion twice a week and half a cake on Sundays. What statement most accurately reflects the intended purpose of this meager diet within the broader context of workhouse operations?
After Oliver asks for more, a council is convened, and considerable horror ensues. What societal fear does this exaggerated reaction most fundamentally expose?
After Oliver asks for more, a council is convened, and considerable horror ensues. What societal fear does this exaggerated reaction most fundamentally expose?
Subsequent to Oliver’s infamous request, a notice is posted offering a reward of five pounds to anyone who will take him away. From an economic perspective, what does this action reveal about the perceived value and function of pauper children within the workhouse system?
Subsequent to Oliver’s infamous request, a notice is posted offering a reward of five pounds to anyone who will take him away. From an economic perspective, what does this action reveal about the perceived value and function of pauper children within the workhouse system?
When Mr. Gamfield, the chimney sweep, expresses interest in Oliver, a gentleman on the board readily agrees to the apprenticeship. Based on the context of the narrative, what can be inferred about the prevailing attitudes toward child labor?
When Mr. Gamfield, the chimney sweep, expresses interest in Oliver, a gentleman on the board readily agrees to the apprenticeship. Based on the context of the narrative, what can be inferred about the prevailing attitudes toward child labor?
Mr. Bumble instructs Oliver to look happy and express enthusiasm for becoming apprenticed to the chimney sweep. This instruction, coupled with Oliver’s true feelings, highlights what critical aspect of institutional power?
Mr. Bumble instructs Oliver to look happy and express enthusiasm for becoming apprenticed to the chimney sweep. This instruction, coupled with Oliver’s true feelings, highlights what critical aspect of institutional power?
The magistrate is described as half-blind, yet he assesses Mr. Gamfield as an honest, open-hearted man, despite cruelty being clearly stamped upon Gamfield’s face. Given the magistrate's impaired vision, what is being implied about his ability to perceive and address social injustices?
The magistrate is described as half-blind, yet he assesses Mr. Gamfield as an honest, open-hearted man, despite cruelty being clearly stamped upon Gamfield’s face. Given the magistrate's impaired vision, what is being implied about his ability to perceive and address social injustices?
When Oliver begs to be returned to the dark room rather than be sent away with Gamfield, Mr. Bumble labels him one of the most ungrateful orphans he has ever seen. How does this accusation reflect the prevailing societal expectations and biases of the time?
When Oliver begs to be returned to the dark room rather than be sent away with Gamfield, Mr. Bumble labels him one of the most ungrateful orphans he has ever seen. How does this accusation reflect the prevailing societal expectations and biases of the time?
Mr. Sowerberry jokes that the coffins are somewhat narrower since the new system of feeding has been introduced, highlighting a direct correlation between diet and physical size. What critical social commentary does this darkly humorous observation underscore?
Mr. Sowerberry jokes that the coffins are somewhat narrower since the new system of feeding has been introduced, highlighting a direct correlation between diet and physical size. What critical social commentary does this darkly humorous observation underscore?
When Oliver is led away to Mr. Sowerberry’s, he is described as being taken to a new scene of suffering. What narrative effect does this continuous cycle of suffering have on characterizing Oliver’s life and the broader societal context?
When Oliver is led away to Mr. Sowerberry’s, he is described as being taken to a new scene of suffering. What narrative effect does this continuous cycle of suffering have on characterizing Oliver’s life and the broader societal context?
Mrs. Sowerberry feeds Oliver the cold bits of meat that were put aside for the dog, stating that the dog can go without them. What does this scene reveal about the social hierarchy within the Sowerberry household and Oliver’s position in it?
Mrs. Sowerberry feeds Oliver the cold bits of meat that were put aside for the dog, stating that the dog can go without them. What does this scene reveal about the social hierarchy within the Sowerberry household and Oliver’s position in it?
Oliver is made to sleep under the counter among the coffins, regardless of whether he minds or not. What broader theme does this sleeping arrangement emphasize regarding societal attitudes toward the poor?
Oliver is made to sleep under the counter among the coffins, regardless of whether he minds or not. What broader theme does this sleeping arrangement emphasize regarding societal attitudes toward the poor?
Noah Claypole calls Oliver 'Workhouse' as a derogatory term. How does this nickname function as a tool of social control and degradation?
Noah Claypole calls Oliver 'Workhouse' as a derogatory term. How does this nickname function as a tool of social control and degradation?
After being insulted, Oliver attacks Noah, leading to him being locked in the cellar. Mrs. Sowerberry claims they are fortunate not to have been murdered in their beds. What does this disproportionate reaction indicate about the societal perception of poor children?
After being insulted, Oliver attacks Noah, leading to him being locked in the cellar. Mrs. Sowerberry claims they are fortunate not to have been murdered in their beds. What does this disproportionate reaction indicate about the societal perception of poor children?
When Noah twists his body like a snake, giving Mr. Bumble the impression that he was badly hurt, what does this imply about the effectiveness and motivations behind such displays of victimhood?
When Noah twists his body like a snake, giving Mr. Bumble the impression that he was badly hurt, what does this imply about the effectiveness and motivations behind such displays of victimhood?
Mr. Bumble attributes Oliver’s defiance to being fed too much meat, suggesting that a more generous diet is the cause of his rebellious behavior. What underlying belief does this assertion reveal about the correlation between socioeconomic status and perceived moral character?
Mr. Bumble attributes Oliver’s defiance to being fed too much meat, suggesting that a more generous diet is the cause of his rebellious behavior. What underlying belief does this assertion reveal about the correlation between socioeconomic status and perceived moral character?
Oliver overhears Mr. Bumble mentioning that his mother had made her way to the workhouse despite difficulties and pain that would have killed any good woman weeks before. What societal view of women and their suffering does this comment underscore?
Oliver overhears Mr. Bumble mentioning that his mother had made her way to the workhouse despite difficulties and pain that would have killed any good woman weeks before. What societal view of women and their suffering does this comment underscore?
Oliver runs away and, after seven days, meets the Artful Dodger. The Dodger provides Oliver with food and lodging. What fundamental human need does this interaction highlight, particularly for those living in poverty?
Oliver runs away and, after seven days, meets the Artful Dodger. The Dodger provides Oliver with food and lodging. What fundamental human need does this interaction highlight, particularly for those living in poverty?
The Artful Dodger takes Oliver to Fagin's residence, bypassing conventional social channels, and through 'the ugliest and dirtiest parts of London'. What does this journey represent in the broader context of Oliver’s life and societal structures?
The Artful Dodger takes Oliver to Fagin's residence, bypassing conventional social channels, and through 'the ugliest and dirtiest parts of London'. What does this journey represent in the broader context of Oliver’s life and societal structures?
Upon arriving at Fagin’s, Oliver observes several boys smoking long clay pipes and drinking spirits with the air of middle-aged men. What primary societal implication does this premature sophistication suggest regarding the lives of these children?
Upon arriving at Fagin’s, Oliver observes several boys smoking long clay pipes and drinking spirits with the air of middle-aged men. What primary societal implication does this premature sophistication suggest regarding the lives of these children?
Fagin expresses how glad he is to see Oliver when he arrives at the residence and immediately directs Dodger to take off the sausages. Juxtapose that with the clear presence of sorted handkerchiefs, ready for the wash; what does the text foreshadow?
Fagin expresses how glad he is to see Oliver when he arrives at the residence and immediately directs Dodger to take off the sausages. Juxtapose that with the clear presence of sorted handkerchiefs, ready for the wash; what does the text foreshadow?
Flashcards
Oliver's Birth
Oliver's Birth
Oliver Twist is born in a workhouse, and his mother dies shortly after his birth.
Mrs. Mann's care
Mrs. Mann's care
Oliver spends his early years managed by Mrs. Mann in a smaller workhouse.
Bumble's Return
Bumble's Return
Mr. Bumble, a workhouse official, takes Oliver back to the larger workhouse on his ninth birthday.
Oliver's Request
Oliver's Request
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Reward Offered
Reward Offered
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Gamfield's Offer
Gamfield's Offer
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Sowerberry takes Oliver
Sowerberry takes Oliver
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Misery under Sowerberry
Misery under Sowerberry
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Oliver's Cellar Confinement
Oliver's Cellar Confinement
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Bumble's Meat Theory
Bumble's Meat Theory
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The Punishment
The Punishment
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Oliver's Escape
Oliver's Escape
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Meeting the Dodger
Meeting the Dodger
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Jack Dawkins
Jack Dawkins
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Fagin's introduction
Fagin's introduction
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Fagin's surroundings
Fagin's surroundings
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Study Notes
Chapter 1: Oliver Twist is Born
- Oliver Twist was born in a workhouse.
- There was doubt about whether he would live.
- His mother, a young woman, asked to see him as she lay dying.
- She kissed the baby and died.
- The doctor noted she was good-looking and didn't know where she came from.
- The nurse said that the woman was found lying in the street the night before.
- The doctor noticed that she had no wedding ring.
Chapter 2: Early Years
- Oliver was bottle-fed for eight to ten months.
- He was sent to a smaller workhouse with other orphans under the care of Mrs. Mann.
- Mrs. Mann received seven and a half pence a week from the government for each child and kept most of it for herself.
- Oliver was a pale, weak, thin, and short child on his ninth birthday but full of spirit.
- He was locked in the coal cellar with two other kids for being hungry when Mr. Bumble arrived.
- Mr. Bumble, a workhouse official, came to take Oliver back to the large workhouse because he was too old to stay with Mrs. Mann.
- Oliver was led away by Mr. Bumble after Mrs. Mann told him to bow to the gentleman.
- Oliver appeared sad to leave.
- Mrs. Mann kissed him, and gave him bread and butter, so he wouldn't seem hungry at the workhouse.
- No kindness was shown to Oliver during all his young years.
- Life in the workhouse was severe, with thin soup three times a day, an onion twice a week, and half a cake on Sundays.
- The boys ate in a large stone hall where they were fed in shifts by the master with the bowls polished clean by the children's spoons.
Chapter 3: A Chimney Sweep Offers to Take Oliver
- Oliver was locked up for asking for more food.
- He washed himself every morning under a pump as punishment in the company of Mr. Bumble.
- Oliver was beaten as a warning to the other boys.
- Mr. Gamfield, a chimney sweep came to the workhouse looking for an apprentice.
- An agreement for Gamfield to take Oliver was made.
- Mr. Bumble told Oliver to pretend he would like to be Gamfield's apprentice.
- The magistrate was an old gentleman with eyeglasses.
- Gamfield said he would treat Oliver well and feed him.
- The magistrate thought Gamfield looked honest but was half-blind.
- Oliver begged the magistrate not to make him go.
- The magistrate refused to sign the papers.
- An advertisement offering five pounds was placed to get someone to take Oliver.
Chapter 4: Oliver Is Apprenticed to an Undertaker
- Mr. Sowerberry meets Mr. Bumble and mentions he'll take the boy.
- Mr. Sowerberry, the undertaker, was a tall, bony man in a worn black suit.
- An arrangement was made for Oliver to go with Mr. Sowerberry.
- Oliver goes to Mr Sowerberry's.
- Mr. Bumble made sure Oliver was neat and pulled Oliver's cap off his eyes.
- Oliver cried because he was lonely.
- Mr. Bumble said Oliver was ungrateful.
- Mr. Sowerberry's wife was short, thin, and bad-tempered said Oliver was a little bag of bones.
- Charlotte, an untidy girl with worn-out shoes and a torn blue dress tells Oliver to eat dog food.
- Oliver ate the food quickly.
- Charlotte tells him he'll have to sleep under the counter with the coffins.
Chapter 5: Noah Claypole
- Oliver was scared by the sight of an unfinished coffin
- Oliver opened the door to Noah Claypole a charity boy who wasn't an orphan, eating bread and butter.
- Noah kicks Oliver and says Oliver will be working under him.
- Noah ate bacon saved by Charlotte while Oliver ate broken pieces in the corner.
- Noah insulted Oliver by saying, "Workhouse! How's your mother?"
- Oliver told him not to mention his mother.
- Noah says Oliver's mother was a bad woman.
- Oliver became angry at Noah and beat him.
- Charlotte and Mrs. Sowerberry beat Oliver and locked him in the cellar.
- Mrs. Sowerberry fainted after the ordeal with the ordeal with Oliver.
- Charlotte then told Noah to get Mr. Bumble to come to the house.
- Noah cried loudly and asked for Mr. Bumble and said Oliver had changed.
- Noah made it seem like Oliver had hurt him.
- Mr Bumble, accompanied Noah Claypole with all haste.
- Mr Bumble heard Oliver was mad.
- Mrs Sowerberry exclaimed that no boy would speak to Mr Rumble like that.
- Mr Bumble said that the beatings were too rich.
- He told Mr Sowmberry to keep him in the coal cellar.
- Mr Bumble says the mother had difficulties throughout her life, before dying.
- When he heard the comment he starts violently kicking the door.
- Mr Sowerberry beat Oliver again after arriving.
- He was shut in door for the remainder of the day
- Oliver hid his face on floor and cried, and rose to his feet as the lamp burned low
Chapter 6: The Artful Dodger
- Oliver ran five miles and hid to avoid being caught.
- He read a milestone that said London was seventy miles away.
- Oliver decided to head to London to live.
- Oliver walked twenty miles and tasted nothing but a piece of dry bread.
- He spent his last penny begging for food and was cold and stiff.
- After seven days since he left, he arrived at Barnet and sat with bleeding feet, covered with dust, on a doorstep.
- He was approached by the Artful Dodger, a strange-looking but confident boy, who offered him food.
- Oliver told Artful Dodger he walked a long way
- Helping Oliver rise, this young man took him to a neighbouring shop, where he bought him some meat and a big loaf of bread.
- He was taken for a pot of beer.
- Oliver told Artful Dodger he didn't have anywhere to stay or any money.
- Artful Dodger said that he knows a respectable old man in London and that he would let Oliver would sleep for free.
- Artful Dodger said not to enter London before nightfall.
- Oliver and Artful Dodger passed through an ugly part of London and when thinking of running away Artful Dodger led them in.
- After a whistle, a man asks who Oliver is an if Fagin is upstairs.
- Artful Dodger said they will go up, and the man disappears.
- Oliver and Artful Dodger climb broken stairs to an old room.
- A number of boys were sitting at a table when Artful Dodger arrived in.
- They meet Fagin, an old Jew, in a dirty coat, with thick, red hair, cooking sausages.
- Artful Dodger introduces Oliver to Fagin
- The old man smiled with a low bow and took Oliver by the hand.
- The young gentlemen with the pipes shook both his hands very hard.
- He tells Artful Dodger to take off sausages and pull a chair for Oliver.
- Fagin was sorting out the handkerchiefs for the wash.
- The crowd laughs with the old gentlemen and they eat supper.
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