In this essay I intend to analyse and compare the treatment Oliver receives upto and including the time he meets Fagin. I intend to highlight both the similarities and differences of the treatment he receives, who he meets, and what role they play in the society, why these characters treat Oliver in the way they do and how Oliver reacts to the treatment he receives.
             The novel 'Oliver Twist' was written by Charles Dickens in 1837 and its purpose was to portray life in the 19th century, how people lived, the lack of education, the poor conditions of the work place and the basic life of survival.
             Very early in the novel, Charles Dickens, introduces us to a woman. We don't who she is, as the author does not give us a name. The quote states, 'She was found lying in the street, she had walked some distance, for her shoes were worn to pieces, but where she came from or where she was going to, nobody knew.' The use of the word 'she' encourages us to be suspicious as to who this woman is, this is a very clever way to get the reader more involved. Also this quote can be compared to Oliver's life, nobody knows where he has come from or where he is going in his life, not even Oliver himself knows. This becomes more relevant later in the novel as we discover the woman is Oliver's mum, so he is leading the same life as his mum.
             Shortly after this in the novel, the author moves onto when Oliver is found as a baby. The quote states, ' he was badged and ticketed, and fell into place at once-a parish child-the orphan of a workhouse-the humble half starved drudge- to be cuffed and buffeted through the world-despised by all, and pitied by none.' This quote signifies exactly how Oliver is treated throughout his childhood.
             The first part of the quote, 'he was badged and ticketed,' this can be compared to a parcel or object being shipped about. The next part of the quote, which s...