Oliver Twist: Environmental Influences on Character Development
10 Questions
4 Views

Choose a study mode

Play Quiz
Study Flashcards
Spaced Repetition
Chat to lesson

Podcast

Play an AI-generated podcast conversation about this lesson

Questions and Answers

What does Oliver's domestic relationship with Fagin and his gang illustrate in the novel?

  • The importance of biological nature in shaping one's character
  • The role of poverty in creating a sense of community
  • The significance of environment in determining one's character (correct)
  • The impact of education on one's moral development
  • Why do people accept whichever community accepts them, according to Dickens?

  • As a result of fear and intimidation
  • Because of the need for financial security
  • Due to the desire for companionship and acceptance (correct)
  • In search of adventure and excitement
  • How does Oliver's behavior change when he begins to find humor and joy in the companionship of the thieves?

  • He starts to steal and commit crimes
  • He begins to reject the thieves' community
  • He becomes more aggressive and violent
  • He becomes more vulnerable to Fagin's corruption (correct)
  • What is implied about the Poor Laws in the novel?

    <p>They are oppressive and contribute to the perpetuation of poverty</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What characteristic does the Artful Dodger possess, aside from being a thief?

    <p>High intelligence</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How does Oliver's speech and demeanor compare to that of the rest of Fagin's boys?

    <p>It is more sophisticated and refined</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How does Oliver react when the Dodger and Charley pick Brownlow's pocket?

    <p>With shock and horror</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is unclear about Oliver's moral development?

    <p>Where he acquired his moral fastidiousness</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is notable about the way the Dodger and Charley speak?

    <p>They use slang expressions like 'scragged' and 'rum dog'</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the difference between how Oliver speaks and how the Dodger and Charley speak?

    <p>Oliver speaks in proper English, while the Dodger and Charley speak in slang</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Study Notes

    Environment vs. Biological Nature

    • The novel argues that the environment in which one is raised has a greater impact on one's character than biological nature.
    • The need for companionship drives people to accept whichever community accepts them, leading to the adoption of that community's values.

    Oliver's Relationship with Fagin's Gang

    • Oliver finds humor and joy in the companionship of the thieves, making it easy for Fagin to corrupt him.
    • The Artful Dodger and Charley Bates are likeable characters, despite their crimes, with the Dodger being highly intelligent and Charley prone to bursts of laughter.
    • The characters' likability suggests that they could have thrived in legitimate society if accepted.

    Oliver's Moral Character

    • Oliver's sophisticated speech and demeanor suggest that he appreciates goodness and morality despite being born into squalid conditions.
    • He reacts with shock and horror at the idea of stealing, displaying moral fastidiousness.
    • The origin of Oliver's moral goodness is unclear, as it could not have been learned in the workhouse.

    Language and Speech Patterns

    • The Dodger and Charley speak in street slang, using expressions like "scragged," "rum dog," "peaching," and "fogles and tickers."
    • Oliver does not understand these expressions and speaks in proper King's English, suggesting his refined speech patterns may be a symptom of his innate moral goodness.

    Studying That Suits You

    Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.

    Quiz Team

    Description

    Explore how Charles Dickens' Oliver Twist highlights the impact of environmental factors on a person's character, particularly in the context of Oliver's relationship with Fagin and his gang.

    More Like This

    Use Quizgecko on...
    Browser
    Browser