The daily discipline of reading Twist was not rewarding in the sense of experiencing a gripping plot, but more along the lines of meditation. It was not instantly gratifying but after a while I got the feeling of deep enjoyment that grows roots. These old classics have something to say about our rich heritage. They speak of issues and ways of the past that have made us who we are today - especially since stories are such a big part of our human experience from the common stories of the day to the Bible.
The book follows the young Oliver's childhood and how he is constantly
in the worst of situations through the simple facts that he was born
a ‘bastard’ child and is being put into the hands of people
most would avoid. He's an outcast in most people's eyes, and always
seems to get the short end of the stick.
The most famous line in the book is the contextually trivial yet daring
act of how Oliver gets picked to ask for more gruel. "Please sir,
can I have some more?" It has captivated people because of its
sheer innocence and sincerity. It's interesting how the workhouse masters
go crazy and kick him out. He then shuffles through places until he
gets into the underworld of crime. After an incident with the law, the
confused boy gets rescued by a kind and loving old gentleman. As soon
as that taste of compassion comes along, it gets taken away and Oliver
fights for that feeling of wholeness until the end.
Charles Dickens himself wrote this story pretty much out of direct experience.
He worked in a workhouse himself and actually had someone named Fagin
in his life.
Overall, I think that Oliver Twist is a great novel and I am
very proud to have read it.