At the end of the lesson, students will be able to identify and explain the themes in the novel.
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The theme in a story is its underlying message, or 'big idea.' In other words, what the story means or what is the author trying to convey in the writing of a novel, play, short story or poem. ( the literary genre)
This belief, or idea, transcends cultural barriers.
Themes are usually universal in nature. When a theme is universal, it touches on the human experience, regardless of race or language.
Often, a piece of writing will have more than one theme.
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The main themes in the novel Oliver Twist is :
The Failure of CharityThe Folly of IndividualismPurity in a Corrupt CityThe Countryside Idealized
1. The Failure of Charity
Charles Dickens in his novel "Oliver Twist" highlights this theme by depicting the charity run by the the church and the government especially the workhouse where Oliver was housed. Residents of these workhouses were inmates who's basic rights were denied such as even getting extra food and basic comfortable beds to sleep in. The inmates were required to work and their labour was misused most of the times. Families were almost mostly separated and rations of food and clothing were meager. The workhouses operated on the principle that poverty was the result of being lazy and the dreadful conditions in the workhouse would inspire the poor to better themselves to get out of the circle of poverty. Dickens also describes the greed, laziness and arrogance of charitable workers like Mr Bumble and Mrs Mann, the officials who ran the workhouses and how they violated the values they preached to the poor. In short, charitable institutions like the workhouses only "reproduced" the awful conditions in which the poor would live in. As Dickens says , the poor choose between" being starved by a gradual process in the house, or by a quick one out of it " (Oliver Twist, page 67)
2. The Folly of Individualism
This theme is depicted in the novel as during the Victorian Era, there was rise in capitalism. The Victorian capitalist believed society would run smoothly if individuals looked after their own interest. However, ironically, this is seen through the character of Fagin, who operates an illegal bussiness of theft and prostitution. He tells Noah Claypole " a regard for number one holds us all together, and must do so, unless we would all go to pieces in company". In other words, every individual has to have his/her interest above others. The folly of this philosophy is shown at the end of the novel when Nancy turns against Monks, Charley Bates against Sikes and Monks against Mrs. Corney. Dickens states that the key to happiness is not only self-interest but " strong affection and humanity of heart".
3. Purity in a Corrupt City
Dickens, through the characters in the novel , reveals that though there is evil, there also exist goodness in a person. For example, Skies, though he murdered Nancy, has a conscience, which manifest itself in the apparition of Nancy's eyes that haunts him after he murders her. Charley Bates tries to capture Sikies. Nancy, who considers herself " lost almost beyond redemption" ends up making the ultimate sacrifice for Oliver, a child she hardly knows. Even Oliver is above corruption and is portrayed to be a good though he was trained to be a pickpocket and joined the gang of thieves.
4. The Countryside Idealised
When the Maylies take Oliver to the countryside, he discovers a " new existence". Dickens states that people who spent their entire lives in city " close and noise places" will eventually find peace in the countryside,amist " of sky, and hill and plain" . The countryside has the potential to " purify our thoughts"and erase the vices that develop in the city". The novel ends on a happy note when Oliver and his family finding happiness when they settle in a small village at the end of the novel, which arises the question that it may not be possible in the city???
In conclusion, the themes in Oliver Twist seems to suggest that the poor and disadvantaged will be mistreated and overlooked by society as a whole. This theme was present then and still exist in our society today through the many issues that arise.
Source : www.sparknotes.com/lit/oliver/themes
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