Keep calm and carry on!
Let’s talk about “Oliver Twist” by Charles Dickens.
Did you enjoy the book? Who is your favourite character? Here are 5 questions you need to answer about the book, please prepare a paragraph of text for each question.
Questions about the book.
- Who was the author?
- What is the book about?
- Who are the characters?
- What are the key moments from the plot of the book?
- What can we learn from the book?
Answers
Who was the author? The author of “Oliver Twist” is Charles Dickens. He was an English novelist and one of the most famous writers of the Victorian era.
What is the book about? “Oliver Twist” tells the story of an orphan boy named Oliver who faces the hardships of life in 19th-century London. The novel explores themes of poverty, crime, and the struggles of the lower class during that time.
What are the key moments from the plot of the book? Some key moments in the plot include Oliver’s birth in a workhouse, his time at the Sowerberries’ funeral parlor, his escape to London, his involvement with a group of child thieves led by Fagin, and his eventual discovery of his true identity.
Who are the main characters in the book? The main characters include Oliver Twist, Mr. Bumble (the beadle), Fagin (a criminal mastermind), the Artful Dodger (a young pickpocket), Nancy (a sympathetic character torn between good and evil), and Mr. Brownlow (a kind gentleman who helps Oliver).
What can we learn from the main characters in the book? From Oliver, we learn about the resilience and innocence of children despite harsh circumstances. Characters like Nancy and the Artful Dodger show the impact of environment on individuals and the struggle between good and evil.
What is the message the book has to offer us? “Oliver Twist” highlights the social issues of its time, particularly the mistreatment of orphans and the impoverished. It advocates for compassion and social reform, emphasizing the need for empathy and understanding for those facing adversity.
What can we learn from the book? The novel encourages readers to reflect on social justice and the importance of addressing poverty and inequality. It also serves as a reminder of the enduring human spirit and the potential for goodness, even in challenging circumstances. “Oliver Twist” remains a timeless exploration of the human condition and a call for compassion in the face of societal struggles.
Vocabulary related to the story of “Oliver Twist” with their definitions.
| Vocabulary Word | Definition |
|---|---|
| Orphan | A child whose parents are dead or have abandoned them. |
| Workhouse | An institution where the poor were housed and required to work. |
| Pickpocket | A person who steals from the pockets or bags of others, typically in crowded places. |
| Beadle | A minor parish official who oversees charitable activities and keeps order. |
| Squalor | A state of being filthy and unpleasant, often as a result of poverty. |
| Ruffian | A violent person, especially one involved in crime. |
| Parish | A local church community or the area it serves. |
| Vagrancy | The state of being homeless and wandering. |
| Alms | Money or goods given to the poor as charity. |
| Asylum | A place of refuge or safety, especially for the mentally ill or destitute. |
Reading text: Here are three key excerpts from “Oliver Twist” by Charles Dickens that describe different characters:
These excerpts (a short part taken from the book) provide a glimpse into the appearance and characteristics of Oliver, Fagin, and Nancy, setting the stage for further exploration and discussion in the lesson. Let’s read them together.
- Oliver:
- Excerpt: “Oliver was a small, pale boy with big, innocent eyes. His clothes were old and worn, and he looked as if he hadn’t eaten for days. Despite his hardships, there was a sweetness about him that touched the hearts of those who saw him.”
- Fagin:
- Excerpt: “Fagin, a thin and wiry man, had a face full of wrinkles and a sharp, beady gaze. He was surrounded by a group of young boys, his ‘pupils,’ who scurried around him like mice. Fagin’s hands were always busy, and his voice held a sly and persuasive tone.”
- Nancy:
- Excerpt: “Nancy, a young woman with tangled hair and a weathered face, moved through the crowded streets with a mixture of confidence and weariness. She wore faded clothes but had a kindness in her eyes that hinted at a struggle between the life she led and the goodness within her heart.”
Questions about “Oliver Twist” by Charles Dickens:
- Who is the main character in “Oliver Twist,” and where was he born?
- Describe Oliver’s appearance and what makes him stand out in the story.
- What role does Fagin play in the novel, and what is his relationship with Oliver?
- Briefly explain the circumstances that lead Oliver from the workhouse to the streets of London.
- Who is Nancy, and what internal conflict does she face in the story?
- What kind of character is Mr. Bumble, and how does he contribute to the challenges faced by Oliver?
- Who is the Artful Dodger, and how does he influence Oliver’s journey in the novel?
- What themes or messages about society does “Oliver Twist” convey, based on your understanding of the story?
Lessons selected for you.
