Powerlessness of Children and Woman in Oliver Twist

250 Words1 Page
The powerlessness of children * Dickens is interested in the powerless in Oliver Twist, and children are the primary symbol of this. * Oliver is always controlled and overpowered by others, E.G: Mr. Bumble, Fagin and Sikes, the people in the street, even Nancy. * He survive only because he is taken in by wealthy and powerful adults (Brownlow …) that enables him to escape from the immoral and dangerous world. * This powerlessness is not just represented in Oliver being physically overtaken or forced into things, but in his inability to communicate with adults. Until he meets Mr. Brownlow, the other adults seem to fail to understand him. (in the court room scene, where Oliver loses his ability to speak ( cant defends himself) * I think there are countless examples of adults either ignoring or misunderstanding what seem to be clear and direct statements. * Fortunately, This powerlessness it is over at the end because Oliver has kind and intelligent people who are willing to listen and help him . The powerlessness of women * Like children, women, too, are presented as under the mercy of the more powerful in society. This is especially in Nancy, who ends up giving her life in trying to act against the men who have power over her. When Nancy is asking to take Oliver to Sikes, she tells him that she would help him if she could, but she doesn’t have the power. * Instead she give her life trying to help Oliver in going to Rose (Mr. Brownlow’s

More about Powerlessness of Children and Woman in Oliver Twist

Open Document