STUDY QUESTIONS

1. Examine Oliver Twist, a child hero, as the central character of "Oliver Twist."

2. To what extent does the presence of a child-hero weaken the novel?

3. Do you think that Dickens meant the historical background to be convincing?

4. Comment on Dickens's handling of the various shades of emotions in "Oliver Twist."

5. All the minor characters of Dickens in "Oliver Twist" dwindle into sketch caricatures.

6. How are the major characters different?

7. Examine the view that Dickens's humor is biting and he is at his funniest when he is bitingly bitter.

8. Examine "Oliver Twist" as a social document

9. Comment on Dickens's portrayal of officials of the orphanage in "Oliver Twist."

10. Write a critical analysis on Dickens's use of irony, satire and humor in "Oliver Twist."

11. Do you agree with the view that Dickens satisfies society in order to improve it?

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