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Questions and Answers

What does Dickens present as a problem determined by culture rather than by innate character?

Delinquency (correct)

Poverty

Want of bread

Ill-usage

What does Rose imagine about Oliver's history?

His current situation

His personality traits

His entire past (correct)

His entire future

Why does Rose think Oliver took part in the attempted burglary?

Because he has never known a mother's love (correct)

Because he suffered ill-usage and blows

Because he was born into a bad environment

Because he was forced to herd with men

What do the Maylies believe in?

Improving the material conditions of the poor Signup and view all the answers

What do the Maylies recognize about Oliver's behavior?

It is determined by his surroundings Signup and view all the answers

What does the Maylie household simulate?

A benevolent courtroom Signup and view all the answers

What is Oliver not permitted to do in the courtroom of Mr. Fang?

Testify on his own behalf Signup and view all the answers

What does Oliver do in the courtroom of the Maylie household?

He testifies for himself Signup and view all the answers

Why do the Maylies focus on saving Oliver rather than punishing him?

Because they believe Oliver's entire history and personality matter more than any single action of his Signup and view all the answers

What is the main difference between the moral authority of the English court system and the higher spiritual authority of God?

The English court system is more concerned with justice, while God's authority is more concerned with mercy Signup and view all the answers

What is implied by Losberne's question to Giles and Brittles?

That they will be responsible for Oliver's death if they identify him to the law Signup and view all the answers

What is the novel suggesting about mercy and justice?

That mercy is frequently more valuable than justice, especially in extenuating circumstances Signup and view all the answers

What role do the Maylie women play in Oliver's life?

They provide a normal family structure for Oliver Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of the maternal roles played by Mrs. Maylie, Rose, and Mrs. Bedwin in the novel?

They offer a symbol of redemption and kindness for Oliver Signup and view all the answers

What is Losberne's appeal to Giles based on?

Giles's fear of God's higher authority Signup and view all the answers

What does the novel suggest about the characters of Giles, Brittles, and Losberne?

They are all capable of exercising mercy and judgment Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Delinquency and Culture

Dickens presents delinquency as a problem determined by culture rather than innate character through Rose's reaction to Oliver.
Rose accurately surmises Oliver's past and personality, attributing his actions to a lack of "mother's love" and harsh living conditions.

Maylies' Beliefs

The Maylies believe Oliver is innately good but born into a bad environment, and that improving material conditions can combat vices.
They recognize that Oliver's surroundings have determined his behavior but not his nature.

Maylie Household as a Benevolent Courtroom

The Maylie household simulates a benevolent courtroom, giving Oliver a voice and listening to it.
This is in contrast to the typical English courtroom, where Oliver is not permitted to testify on his own behalf.

Moral Authority

Losberne's conversation with Giles and Brittles highlights the two kinds of moral authority: the English court system and the higher spiritual authority of God.
Losberne implies that Giles would be responsible for Oliver's death if he testifies against him, and would be judged by God's higher authority.

Mercy and Justice

The scene suggests that mercy is frequently more valuable than justice, especially in extenuating circumstances.
The novel emphasizes the importance of compassion and forgiveness over punishment.

Maternal Roles

Mrs. Maylie and Rose play maternal roles in Oliver's life, providing him with a sense of normal family structure.
Dickens's characterization of the upper-class family complicates his original intention of giving voice to the poor.