Summary:
Oliver Twist by Charles Dickens is a social novel that highlights the hardships of orphans and the poor in 19th-century England. The story follows Oliver Twist, a young orphan born in a workhouse, who faces cruelty and hardship from an early age.
After escaping to London, Oliver falls into the hands of Fagin, a criminal who runs a gang of child thieves. He befriends The Artful Dodger and is later falsely accused of theft. However, he is rescued by Mr. Brownlow, a kind gentleman who suspects Oliver has a noble background.
As Oliver struggles between good and evil, he encounters Bill Sikes, a violent criminal, and Nancy, a kind-hearted woman who tries to protect him. Eventually, Oliver’s true parentage is revealed, and he finds safety with his relatives.
The novel exposes the corrupt legal system, child labor, poverty, and crime in Victorian England while emphasizing themes of innocence, fate, and the struggle between good and evil.
MCQs:
- Where is Oliver Twist born?
A) In a mansion
B) In a workhouse
C) In a prison
D) In a church
Answer: B) In a workhouse - Who takes Oliver in after he runs away to London?
A) Mr. Brownlow
B) Bill Sikes
C) Fagin
D) The Artful Dodger
Answer: C) Fagin - Which character is a professional pickpocket?
A) Mr. Bumble
B) The Artful Dodger
C) Bill Sikes
D) Noah Claypole
Answer: B) The Artful Dodger
Oliver Twist - Who is Nancy?
A) A nurse at the workhouse
B) A wealthy woman
C) A kind-hearted woman involved with criminals
D) Oliver’s mother
Answer: C) A kind-hearted woman involved with criminals - What does Oliver ask for more of in the workhouse?
A) Bread
B) Soup
C) Porridge
D) Meat
Answer: C) Porridge - Who is Bill Sikes?
A) A kind lawyer
B) A brutal criminal
C) A police officer
D) A priest
Answer: B) A brutal criminal - What happens to Nancy?
A) She runs away
B) She is killed by Bill Sikes
C) She marries Mr. Brownlow
D) She moves to America
Answer: B) She is killed by Bill Sikes - Who turns out to be Oliver’s relative?
A) Mr. Bumble
B) Fagin
C) Monks
D) Rose Maylie
Answer: D) Rose Maylie - What is the main theme of Oliver Twist?
A) The dangers of war
B) The struggle between good and evil
C) The importance of wealth
D) The power of education
Answer: B) The struggle between good and evil - What ultimately happens to Fagin?
A) He escapes to France
B) He is arrested and hanged
C) He reforms and helps Oliver
D) He becomes rich
Answer: B) He is arrested and hanged
| Question | Answer |
| Book Name | Oliver Twist |
| Author | Charles Dickens |
| Year Published | 1838 |
| Genre | Social Novel, Bildungsroman |
| Setting | 19th-century England, London |
| Main Themes | Poverty, Crime, Innocence vs. Corruption, Social Injustice |
| Main Characters | Oliver Twist, Fagin, The Artful Dodger, Bill Sikes, Nancy, Mr. Brownlow |
| Symbolism | Workhouse (poverty and oppression), London (crime and corruption), Rose Maylie (kindness and purity) |
| Literary Significance | Critique of social inequality and child labor, among Dickens’ most famous works |