Set in early 19th-century England, a time when social reform was urgently needed, Oliver Twist tells the story of a young orphan, Oliver, who navigates a society rife with poverty and cruelty. The story begins in the workhouse where Oliver was born, setting the stage for his conflict with a society that regards him as a burden. In the opening chapter, the novel portrays Oliver's miserable birth and early life, exposing the harshness of the workhouse system that neglects even children's basic needs. Growing up in this brutal environment, Oliver is later sent to a branch workhouse, where he experiences systematic abuse and deprivation. Without familial love or guidance, he quickly grasps the harsh realities of life as a pauper. This workhouse environment shapes his character and resilience, foreshadowing the significant encounters and challenges he will face on his quest for a better life. Following Oliver’s journey from childhood through exploitative apprenticeships, readers feel his urgency and vulnerability, reflecting Dickens' powerful critique of social injustice.
