Oliver Twist: Mr. Bumble's Proposal to Mrs. Corney

Marriage in Oliver Twist

• Mr. Bumble's proposal to Mrs. Corney is a parody of middle-class marriage, driven by material wealth rather than romance.
• In the Victorian era, many marriages among the middle class and above were primarily economic arrangements.
• Dickens, however, champions the romantic concept of marriage based on love.

Introduction of Monks and the Detective Story Element

• The introduction of Monks marks the beginning of a detective story element in the novel.
• Dickens's description of Monks as a "dark figure" who lurks "in deep shadow" adds to the mystery.
• The chapter implies that Monks will be involved in unveiling Oliver's identity, leaving the reader with a sense of curiosity and bewilderment.

Suspense and the Supernatural

• Monks's claim of seeing "the shadow of a woman...pass[ing] along the wainscot like a breath" introduces a sense of suspense and the supernatural.
• The supernatural element grows more pronounced as the story continues.