Great Expectations

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and malnutrition for a long period of time, Oliver was chosen by the


other boys at the orphanage to request more gruel at dinner one night.


After making this simple request, "the master (at the orphanage) aimed


a blow at Oliver's head with the ladle; pinioned him in his arms; and


shrieked aloud for the beadle."3


 

 

The whole beginning of Oliver Twist's story was created from


memories which related to Charles Dickens' childhood in a blacking


factory ( which was overshadowed by the Marshalsea Prison ).4 While


working in the blacking factory, Dickens suffered tremendous


humiliation. This humiliation is greatly expressed through Oliver's


adventures at the orphanage before he is sent away.


 

 

Throughout his lifetime, Dickens appeared to have acquired a


fondness for "the bleak, the sordid, and the austere."5 Most of


Oliver Twist, for example, takes place in London's lowest slums.6 The


city is ...

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conditions and evil surroundings which he


had grown up in.11 However, no matter how tempting the evil may have


been, Oliver stood by his beliefs. Therefore, he can be referred to as


"ideal and incorruptible innocence."12 "It is Oliver's self-generated


and self-sustained love, conferred it would seem from Heaven alone,


that preserves him from disaster and death."13


 

 

Unfortunately, many critics have found it hard to believe that a


boy such as Oliver Twist could remain so innocent, pure, and well


spoken given the long period of time in which he was surrounded by


evil and injustices.14


 

 

Pip, on the other hand, is a ...

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