Oliver Twist: Mr. Sowerberry Character Analysis

Oliver Twist - Mr. Sowerberry

In Charles Dickens' classic novel "Oliver Twist," published in 1837, we encounter various characters who play significant roles in shaping the life of our protagonist. One such character is Mr. Sowerberry, a local undertaker in the town where Oliver lives. Although his role is relatively minor compared to other characters like Fagin and Bill Sykes, he still contributes to the overall narrative with his wry humor and peculiar character traits.

Mr. Sowerberry is described as a man in his middle years, with a "sunken head" and a "pallid complexion," suggesting illness or exhaustion. He also has a "red nose," which could indicate excessive drinking or poor health. His demeanor is rather gruesome due to his profession as an undertaker. Despite these physical signs of aging and distress, he is somewhat amusing when describing his craft: "It’s all very curious work; it requires a good deal of patience and perseverance, and a good deal more ingenuity too, I fancy". This passage echoes the theme of hardship prevalent throughout the novel, as even an occupation that might seem morbidly amusing ultimately comes with its own set of challenges and struggles.

The interaction between Mr. Sowerberry and Oliver occurs during Chapter XXXVII, titled "Sowerberry's Shop." Upon discovering Oliver with Jack Dawkins (also known as the Artful Dodger), the two thieves hide from Mrs. Sowerberry while pretending to be interested in buying coffins made by her husband's business. In reality, they wish to rob Mr. Sowerberry, suspecting him of having valuables hidden in the shop. Unaware of their intentions, Mr. Sowerberry offers them a discount if they purchase coffins immediately. When the thieves realize that Mr. Sowerberry has no money and only wants to help, they decide to leave without robbing him.

This episode emphasizes another recurring motif in "Oliver Twist": kindness and empathy towards others, often stemming from unexpected sources. While Mr. Sowerberry may appear initially sinister to the reader given his association with death and burial rituals, his genuine desire to assist his customers highlights the potential for humanity and compassion within seemingly unconventional circumstances. Moreover, this scene demonstrates how the characters frequently misunderstand one another, leading to situations that can result in either harm or salvation, depending on the individual's disposition.