The novel "Oliver Twist" by Charles Dickens is filled with examples of criminality which is demonstrated through the many different criminals in the novel. Fagin, a Jewish con artist, is the ringleader of a gang of criminals, pickpockets and thieves, who “prey” on the vulnerable and weak, ultimately dragging Oliver into their gang. Through these characters we are able to explore criminality in the Victorian era and see that individuals are often forced to turn to criminal in order to survive. So, without further ado, let’s join Oliver in understanding the criminal world better and see how it impacts Oliver’s life.
In the Victorian era, poverty was often viewed as a sin, and those who were were seen as being punished for their own mistakes in their past life. This idea is clearly shown in the novell "Oliver Twist" which talks about the struggles of a young orphan named Oliver who is forced to navigate the harsh realities of poverty during the Victorian era. Similarly, Oliver's mother's death and fate is often seen as a punishment for her mistakes and transgressions. Through Oliver's story, we can see that in the Victorian era poverty is not a personal failing or misfortune, but a result of a sin committed in one’s past. This belief, however, is highly unreasonable in many ways. When Oliver was born, he was born into poverty, but he didn’t do anything wrong and didn’t commit any sins. However, despite his innocent past, due to his poverty, society still views him as someone who is being punished for his mistakes. Poverty also resulted in Oliver being treated inferior compared to the other babies born into families with more money. As states in the novel, “... Oliver was the victim of a systematic course of treachery and deception.” (Dickens) This shows that even though Oliver was an innocent baby, due to society’s views on poverty being a sin, Oliver was treated differently and in a harsh manner. In many ways, those who lived in poverty was treated much differently due to the societal belief at the time that poverty is a sin.
During the Victorian era, many were “forced” to be a thief and being a thief was often the only means of survival for those living in poverty and destitution. For characters like the Artful Dodger and Fagin, being a thief allowed them to scarcely survive in the harsh and demanding environment of the Victorian era England. They were able to steal food, clothing, and shelter from those who wealthier, and by doing so, they were able to survive. The novel also showcases how not being a thief is an even greater threat. Without the skills and connections that Oliver learned as a thief, Oliver was able to deal with those who sought to take advantage of his innocence. If Oliver wasn’t a thief, his chances of survival would’ve also been low. The consequences of not being a thief were poverty, hunger, and ultimately, a life on the streets or in a workhouse. In this way, being a thief during the Victorian era may have been a forced choice, as it was the only way for those less fortunate to survive.
The novel also greatly showcased the dark side of human nature of those who were born a criminal. Through Fagin, a master thief, we can see the evil human nature that resides inside those who prey on the vulnerable. Fagin's ambition and disregard for human life are matched with his cunning and intelligence, as he uses others, including Oliver, to achieve his own goals and desires. Bill Sikes and Nancy also demonstrate that even those who appear to be decent on the surface can have a dark human nature. Through these characters and their motives, we are able to better understand criminals in the Victorian era and the importance they serve in the story. The criminals in the novel reminds readers that human beings are capable of cruelty when given the opportunity and to never judge a book by its’ cover for those who appear to be decent can be evil underneath. (Dickens)
“Oliver Twist” written by Charles Dickens, talks about the life of Oliver and his journey through adulthood. Throughout his journey, Oliver meets many criminals whom in many ways impacts Oliver’s life differently. Through the appearance of these characters, we are able to dive deep into the reality of the criminal world during the Victorian era. We are able to see that in the Victorian era, not only criminal acts was a sin, but poverty was too. We are also able to see that many people were forced to be a criminal in order to survive. We are also able to understand the dark side of human nature. So, without further ado, let’s join Oliver in understanding the criminal world better and learn the true motives behind each act.
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