The Adventures of Oliver Twist

The Adventures of Oliver Twist follows the life of a young boy who faces constant suffering and injustice from birth navigating the harsh realities of Victorian England. His early life is marked by abandonment poverty and mistreatment in workhouses only to face a series of misadventures with a band of criminals. Throughout his struggles Oliver's inherent goodness contrasts with the corruption around him often depicted through the various characters he encounters. The story critiques the social systems of the time emphasizing the exploitation of the poor and the moral shortcomings of the affluent. It exposes the brutal conditions of orphaned children and the societal negligence that perpetuates their suffering. While Oliver seeks affection and a better life he is repeatedly thwarted by those seeking to use him for their gain. At its core the novel is a commentary on social inequality with a strong emphasis on the virtues of kindness and the inherent innocence of children despite their circumstances. The story's progression is a series of ironic twists where Oliver's attempts to escape his circumstances seem doomed by the very systems meant to protect him.