Oliver Twist by Charles Dickens

Oliver Twist

by Charles Dickens

The novel Oliver Twist was written by Charles Dickens, a famous English author. The story takes place in England in the first half of the 19th century. The main character is called Oliver. We read about his life from his miserable childhood.

Oliver was born in a workhouse. His mother died after minutes of his birth. He was brought up by an old woman called Mrs. Mann. She looked after a lot of orphans in that branch-workhouse. She was dishonest and she used most of the money given to her for herself. At the age of nine, Oliver was brought back to the workhouse to learn a trade. He was very unhappy at the workhouse.

After that, Mr. Sowerberry, an undertaker, came and took Oliver as an apprentice. Oliver decided to run away after a fight with Sowerberry's surly assistant. He went to London with no food or money. He sat on the doorstep. He was too tired and his feet were sore and bleeding. Suddenly, he met Jack Dawkins, a snub-nosed, arrogant boy. However, he was very kind to Oliver. Artful Dodger was his nickname in the gang. Dodger took Oliver and introduced him to Fagin, who was a leader of a gang of pickpockets and robbers.

One day, Oliver was allowed to go out with Dodger and another boy to rob. Oliver didn't know anything about this. While he was trying to escape with the other boys, he was caught by a wealthy gentleman, called Mr. Brownlow. Then he was released after they knew that he was not the boy who stole Mr. Brownlow. Oliver was taken to Mr Brownlow's house. He was looked after by Mrs. Bedwin, Mr Brownlow's housekeeper. Oliver was very grateful to Mr Brownlow.

Fagin was very angry because they lost Oliver. He asked a girl called Nancy to go and look for him. She deceived the policeman and managed to know Oliver's place. He became in the hands of the gang again. Oliver was very sad as he will miss Mr Brownlow's kindness. Mr Brownlow looked everywhere for Oliver, but he didn't find him.

Fagin and Bill Sikes, a cruel member of the gang, planned to use Oliver in a big robbery. They reached the wanted house and asked Oliver to enter and open the front door for them. They told him that he will be killed if he tried to trick them. The burglary had gone wrong and Bill left Oliver injured in his arm. Oliver struggled to run away. He reached a house that he discovered it was the house the gang tried to steal. In this house, Oliver met Rose who was very kind to him. They brought a doctor and he became well again.

Oliver went to London to meet Mr Brownlow. Unfortunately, he found out that Mr Brownlow had gone to the West Indies. He was very sad to hear these bad news.