A little while ago, I read Oliver Twist, while it is not my favorite of Dickens' works, it brings up a certain number of questions regarding society and the literary devices Dickens uses to advance his social causes. Here are some questions to inspire discussion:
1. Why is Oliver Twist the flattest character in the book? Or if you don't think he is, defend your position.
2. Why do you think Dickens made the gang of thieves the most varied and deep characters in the novel? Do you think he was trying to make a statement by the varying reasons for crime found among the thieves?
3. Why doesn't Nancy accept the help and sanctuary that is offered? Did she really love Bill or are her actions more of a self-imposed punishment often given by those who believe they are not good enough for redemption?
4. Did Bill really love Nancy? Defend your answer.
5. Dickens clearly is making political and social statements, how do you think this story compares to other sociopolitical novels? Is it more effective or less effective, and why?
6. Why does Oliver have to be the inheritor of great sums of money, wouldn't Dickens' point about a person's virtue being based on who they are, not how they come into the world be more effective if Oliver really had been born of the scum of the earth?
7. Who is your favorite character? Why?
8. What is your opinion of Fagin? Does he care about his urchins and thieves, or is he a completely self-interested person?
9. Does Oliver's complete goodness annoy the snot out of you?
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