"Oliver asks for more" is a glimpse of a cruel aspect of materialistic society-the brutal treatment of children, especially poor orphans. Discuss and illustrate.​

Answer :

"Oliver Twist" is a novel by Charles Dickens that provides us with a glimpse of the cruel aspects of a materialistic society, particularly the brutal treatment of children, especially the poor orphans. The story follows the journey of Oliver, an innocent and vulnerable orphan boy, as he navigates through a world plagued by poverty, corruption, and exploitation.
One of the key themes explored in "Oliver Twist" is the harsh reality faced by orphaned children during that era. Dickens exposes the deplorable conditions in workhouses, where children were subjected to physical and emotional abuse, neglect, and inadequate living conditions. Oliver's experiences in the workhouse and his subsequent placement with an undertaker, Mr. Sowerberry, shed light on the callous treatment of vulnerable children, often viewed as commodities rather than individuals deserving care and compassion.
Moreover, the novel depicts how the materialistic society of the time prioritized wealth and social status over human welfare. Characters like Fagin, the manipulative criminal, and the corrupt Mr. Bumble exemplify the exploitative nature of those in power, who prey on the vulnerable, including orphaned children, for their own gain.
Through Oliver's character, Dickens emphasizes the need for societal change and compassion towards the less fortunate. Oliver's purity, resilience, and unwavering goodness stand in stark contrast to the greed and cruelty of those around him. The novel serves as a critique of a society that neglects its responsibility towards its most vulnerable members.
"Oliver Twist" raises important questions about social injustice, the mistreatment of children, and the consequences of a materialistic society. It serves as a reminder that the well-being and welfare of every individual, especially the young and disadvantaged, should be a priority, and that a society's true measure lies in how it treats its most vulnerable members.

Other Questions