Oliver Twist and Life in 19th Century English Workhouses

Study Notes

During the 1800s, many people in England went to workhouses when they had no other means of supporting themselves.
Living conditions in workhouses were harsh and unsanitary, with overcrowding, poor food, and inadequate clothing.

After his mother died, Oliver Twist was sent to a workhouse because he had no family or means of support.
At the workhouse, Oliver had to work long hours and was given meager food, leading to malnutrition and weakness.
Oliver escaped from the workhouse and traveled to London, where he met a pickpocket named Jack Dawkins, also known as the Artful Dodger.
Jack Dawkins introduced Oliver to Fagin, a crafty old thief who taught Oliver and other boys to steal.

Oliver was caught by the police while trying to pick a pocket and was arrested.
A kind-hearted man named Mr. Brownlow saved Oliver from being punished and took him in, providing him with food and shelter.

Mr. Brownlow discovered that Oliver was innocent and had been wrongly accused of theft.
Monks, a villainous character, tried to keep Oliver from receiving his inheritance, but ultimately failed.
In the end, Monks was punished for his crimes, and Oliver was adopted by Mr. Brownlow, who provided him with a loving home.

In the 1800s, many people moved to cities in England to work, including Oliver's mother, who gave birth to him in a workhouse.
After his mother's death, Oliver was sent to an orphan house until he was nine years old.

At the age of nine, Oliver was sent to a workhouse where he met other malnourished boys.
The boys encouraged Oliver to ask for more food, which angered the workhouse managers.
Oliver decided to escape to London, but had no food and went hungry for days.

Oliver met Jack Dawkins, who introduced him to Fagin, an old man who gave Oliver food and shelter.
Fagin taught Oliver to pick pockets, and Oliver was shocked to discover the boys were thieves.

Oliver was caught by a police officer, but Mr. Brownlow, a kind man, intervened and took Oliver to his home.
Oliver was looked after by the housekeeper and recovered from his ordeal.

Oliver was forced to help Mr. Sikes with a burglary, but was shot and rescued by Mr. Brownlow.
Mr. Brownlow revealed that Oliver's mother was a rich woman, and his brother, Monks, was trying to keep Oliver's inheritance by ensuring he became a thief.
Monks gave Oliver the money owed to him and left the country, and Oliver was adopted by Mr. Brownlow.