Discuss the character of Oliver Twist

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Write a note on the character of Oliver Twist.

Oliver Twist the central figure of the novel. He represents three different world-the workhouse the crime world, and the world of the gentle middle class. Dickens calls him an item of mortality.’ He exposes the inhumanity and the callousness of the workhouse and the underworld. He is a symbol of good. He survives through every adverse circumstance. He is virtue undefiled. He remains uncontaminated. He faces scoundrels like Mr. Bumble and Mr. Mann. He bears the tortures of inconsiderate Mrs. Sowerberry. He remains bold and brave before the sneakish rogue Noah Clapole. He bears the wickedness of the devilish Fagin and the Odious Sikes. Steven Marcus has rightly remarked

“Oliver is essentially the incarnation of a moral quality, and the particular virtue he represents that he appears all defenceless. For he is ideal and incorruptible innocence.” Oliver always looks innocent. It seems that he is innocence incarnated. Rose, Browlow and Grimming acknowledge his innocence and goodness.

Oliver Twist is a courageous boy. He courageously faces the cruel and harsh behaviour of Mrs. Mann. He resists being apprenticed to Gamfield, the Chimney Sweep. He thrashes Noah Clapole. He faces the inhuman behaviour of Mrs. Sowerberry, Fagin, Bumble and Sikes. His courage and good sturdy spirit enable him to leave Sowerberry’s and proceed to London. Oliver suffers much. He lives in semi-starved conditions. He is constantly under threat of Fagin to commit crimes. All his infant years are spending gloom. spite of being associated with the world of evil and crime of Fagin, Oliver remains pure and innocent. He is not defilled. He is delicate and handsome. Boldness is his prominent feature. Oliver is the principle of good. He survives through every adverse circumstance and triumphs at last.

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