Oliver vs. the Workhouse System

Traces the conflict between Oliver's innate goodness and the oppressive Poor Law system.

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The Starvation Regime

The Starvation Regime The Board's Philosophy The workhouse board believes in making poverty so unpleasant that the poor will avoid it. They institute a diet of thin gruel. Oliver's Hunger Oliver and the other boys suffer slow starvation. The system is designed to break their spirits. The Revolt Oliver asks for more, an act of defiance that shocks the board. He is punished severely.

The Apprenticeship System

The Apprenticeship System The Parish Apprentice Oliver is apprenticed to Sowerberry, a trade that exploits child labor. The system treats children as commodities. The Near Miss with Gamfield Oliver almost becomes a chimney sweep, a dangerous and deadly trade. The magistrate saves him by chance. The Undertaker's Shop Oliver works in a grim environment, surrounded by death. The system offers no escape.

The Criminal Justice System

The Criminal Justice System Mr. Fang's Court Oliver is brought before Mr. Fang, a biased and cruel magistrate. He is nearly sentenced without evidence. The Bookstall Keeper's Testimony A witness saves Oliver, but the system is shown to be arbitrary and unjust. The Threat of Prison Oliver faces the horrors of the police station and the threat of prison. The system criminalizes poverty.

The Power of Kindness

The Power of Kindness Brownlow's Benevolence Mr. Brownlow shows Oliver kindness, giving him a home and care. This contrasts with the workhouse system. The Maylies' Compassion The Maylies rescue Oliver and treat him as family. Their love heals him. The Triumph of Goodness Oliver's innate goodness prevails over the system. He finds happiness through the kindness of individuals, not institutions.

Oliver's early years

After asking for more

After Oliver's arrest

After Oliver's rescue by Brownlow and the Maylies