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Oliver Twist Character Analysis

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Questions and Answers

What is implied about Nancy's profession in the novel?

She is a teacher

She is a prostitute (correct)

She is a nurse

She is a lawyer

What does Nancy's behavior demonstrate?

A lack of empathy for Fagin and Sikes

A deep and passionate sense of morality (correct)

Indifference to the well-being of others

A complete lack of morality

What is unique about Nancy's character compared to other 'good' characters in the novel?

She has no experience with vice and degradation

She is a product of a good environment

She is a product of a wealthy family

She knows degradation perfectly well, yet she is good (correct)

What is the theme explored through Nancy's character in the novel?

Whether an individual can be redeemed from the effects of a bad environment (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is hinted at in Nancy's speech about her past?

The boys might also be involved in prostitution (A) Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of Nancy pointing to Oliver in her speech?

It shows her absolute identification with Oliver (C) Signup and view all the answers

Why are explicit references to sexuality avoided in the narrative?

Due to the Victorian sensibilities (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is implied about Nancy's past in the novel?

She has been in the same trade and service for twelve years (D) Signup and view all the answers

How does Nancy's character differ from characters like Mr.Brownlow and Oliver?

Her behavior spans moral extremes (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of Nancy's outburst against Sikes and Fagin?

To demonstrate her deep and passionate sense of morality (D) Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Nancy's Character in Oliver Twist

Nancy's behavior in Oliver Twist shows moral extremes, unlike other main characters who are either completely good or evil.
Dickens's description of Nancy's manner implies that she is a prostitute, a profession that would have been viewed unfavorably by Victorian readers.
Nancy's role in the scheme to bring Oliver back to Fagin's fold contrasts with her passionate outburst against Sikes and Fagin for mistreating Oliver, demonstrating her strong sense of morality.
Nancy's character explores the theme of redemption from a bad environment, as she knows degradation well but is still a good person.
Some critics interpret Nancy's speech as hinting that the boys might be involved in prostitution, due to her statement about being in the "same trade" as Oliver.
Nancy's speech about her past is intentionally vague, due to the Victorian era's avoidance of explicit references to sexuality.
Nancy's identity as a prostitute is also implied rather than directly stated, due to the same social norms.