Oliver Twist Summer Reading Study Guide European Studies Honors English 10 Questions for Discussion Directions: Respond fully to each of the following questions in your Journal.
You need not copy the questions/topics for response into the journal. You must give specific evidence for each and each entry must fill at least one entire page to receive full credit. Get used to being required to support your viewpoints in great detail throughout the course. Part one (Chapters 1 thru 22) 1.Of the various characters who Oliver encounters in the early chapters of the novel, which do you think is Dickens's strongest representation of commentary on the social conditions of his time period? You may need to do a little research into England during this time period. Explain why.
Mrs., Thingy Mr.. Bumble Mrs.. Mann Mr.
. Lambkins Mr.. Gambled Mr.
. Sugarberry Noah Claymore 2. Throughout the novel, Dickens gives us characters who display various attitudes toward the poor that were typical of early Victorian England.Identify at least three passages In which Dickens documents harassers' attitudes toward the poor and their social status. (You do not need to cite the entire passage, but please include the first few words of the line and the page number).
3. Briefly summarize the events that lead to Oliver making the acquaintance of The Artful Dodger, Master Charlie Bates, and Fagin. 4. Pay close attention to the character of Nancy in Oliver Twist How does her relationship with each of the following reveal aspects of her personality?Nanny's relationship with Fagin: Nancy relationship with Bill Skies: Nancy relationship with the other boys (Artful Dodger, et al): threatening? Why? Oliver Twist - Book Two (Chapters 23 thru 37) 1 .
How would you characterize the social commentary provided by Mr.. Bumble in relation to the social commentary conveyed by the main narrative? Does the Bumble subplot in any way enhance our understanding of the main plot? Or does its humor undermine the impact of the main social commentary? 2. Discuss the circumstances surrounding the introduction of Monks. What makes Monks a dangerous character? 3.
How do we learn about Oliver's mother? What do we learn about her? 4. N Oliver Twist, we not only have one of the first novels ever written with a child protagonist, but we also have the first of many Dickens novels with a child protagonist. Is this a novel about others and their influence on Oliver, or about Oliver's influence upon others. Based on what you've read so far, what do you think? 5. The novel contains two rescues of Oliver: one by Brown and another by Giles. How do these two episodes parallel each other? Taken respectively, do they demonstrate any growth on the part of Oliver? 6.
Within the literary tradition, many authors employ a technique called "doubling," in which two characters serve to complement/ contrast each other's qualities in some way. Cain/Able, Jewell/Hyde, and Timescale/ Chlorinating are examples of how two characters can function as two sides of the same coin. Explain how Rose Millie and Nancy function within the doubling motif? Go beyond the obvious "Madonna/prostitute" to contrast and examine the subtleties of their characterization to determine how they complement/contrast each other's qualities. Oliver Twist - Book Three (Chapter 38 thru end) 1 .Some critics have suggested that Dickens's purpose in writing the book transcended the exploration of social ills against children. What other social ills does this novel seemingly tackle? How does Dickens explore how ALL classes are involved in social ills? Does he suggest any solutions by novel's end? Fallen world.
" Yet, Oliver is more acted upon by others and, thus, passive. Can a passive character display virtue? Explain. Are there other qualities that make him virtuous? 3. One of the most oft-debated aspects of Oliver Twist is Dickens's use of coincidence.Are there coincidences that are big stretches, yet "work" within the narrative? Are there too many coincidences to bring this book to a satisfying conclusion? Or can the coincidences be Justified? 4.
In terms of the motif of Justice vs.. Injustice in the novel, compare and contrast what happens to the following characters: Bumble Fagin Skies Monks In each case, is Justice achieved? 5. Discuss your thoughts on the novel as a whole.
Did you enjoy it? Were there scenes and/or characters you found to be unnecessary? What do you believe Dickens's purpose was in writing this book?
