How Does Dickens Present The Treatment Of The Poor

In the novel ‘Oliver Twist’ by Charles Dickens, a main focus is the treatment of the poor. The novel was written to emphasis how the poor and criminals were treated in the 19th century. The idea that material status determines the treatment a person receives is a main theme in the story. Charles Dickens gives a new view to the paupers of this time period by presenting them as real people with their own stories of sufferings. Many of the characters in the story are of pauper status and are not treated with the respect any human should have the right to. The characters and their struggle to survive due to the life they lead is emphasized many times by the use of many characters and their personal stories. Oliver Twist, Fagin, and Bill Sikes are …show more content…
Oliver is known as a poor orphan boy who lives on the streets for the majority of the story. Due to his status as a poor orphan, Oliver is treated with little respect by characters with authority. In the beginning half of the book, Oliver is almost never given a say in his own life. This is shown rather clearly when Oliver is in court for being accused of stealing Brownlow’s handkerchief. Since Oliver is a pauper by status, he doesn’t get the chance to say anything for his defense. It is only later on in the book when Brownlow and eventually the Maylies take Oliver in that he is given the chance to tell his tale. What is notable is the happy fairytale like ending that Oliver receives in the end of the book. Due to the fact that throughout the story Oliver remained innocent and free from crime, he ends up living a life free from the sufferings of a …show more content…
Bill is given the status of a pauper like both Oliver and Fagin. Bill is far from living an innocent life that is free of crime. He is characterized as an evil and hardened thief. Bill shares a lot of the same qualities as Fagin when it comes to greed and the desire for riches. However, unlike Fagin, Bill is willing to do whatever is necessary to do to survive. He even ends up murdering Nancy out of anger when he realizes that his way of life may be in danger due to her actions. Bill’s struggle comes more into play after Nancy’s death when he begins to feel the guilt for all he has done. Charles Dickens gives Bill Sikes the death that one would think he deserves because of his many criminal actions. However, it only presents the hypocrisy that greed brings about in a new