Oliver Twist

Oliver Twist, Usborne Young Reading version is retold nicely for younger children.

1. In what country or region does this story happen? (setting) England. Chapter 4
mentions him running away to London, England.

2. Among what kinds of people is the story set? What is their economic class?
(setting) The very poor, and working class.

3. Does the story happen in a particular era? The Industrial Revolution in England.

4. The protagonist is the main character. What is his name? (characters) Oliver
Twist. Can you name some other characters in the story?

5. What is Oliver trying to do? (theme) Answers may include: Overcome __________.
Find happiness. Gain his freedom. Have a good/decent life. Survive.

Themes:

Survival Will Oliver survive the terrible

Man vs. Man circumstances that we find him in?

Loyalty Will Mr. Brownlow (Oliver’s uncle) ignore

Man vs. Himself his duty of family?

Choice Will Oliver make decisions that are right?

Man vs. Himself Or, will he become a thief?

6. Is this conflict (what Oliver is trying to overcome) an external one having to do with
circumstances in Oliver’s world? Or, an internal one taking place in his mind? (conflict)
Both. See above themes. Discuss them.

7. Is God, or fate helping Oliver? Talk about the possibilities. Is Mr. Brownlow being
the target of the pick-pocketing a coincidence? How does this play out in Oliver’s favor
later on in the story? Various answers.

8. Are there other characters that do or do not understand Oliver’s motives? (rising

© 2011, Brenda Sain, www.thetiethatbindsus.com

action) The coffin maker, Noah, Dodger, Fagin etc... Use some examples from the
story to talk about what happend before the climax.

9. How are Oliver’s obstacles finally overcome? Were they pleasant or were they
resolved in a terrible way? (climax) Nancy is Shot. Mr. Brownlow was waiting for him.

10. What “loose ends” were tied up? (denouement) Bill slipped on a roof and hung
himself by accident. The dog hit his head and died.

11. What does Oliver learn about the locket? (conclusion) That it belonged to his
mother, Agnus. And, that Mr. Brownlow is a relative.

Another question for older children:

What aspect of the human condition is brought to light and wondered at in this story?
Answers may include: greed, necessity, loyalty, innocence, choice, survival. Talk about
these.

Literary devices to find in Oliver Twist:

Alliteration
Find examples of where the author used words in sequence or in close proximity which
have the same initial consonant sounds.

Simile
Find examples of the author using “like” or “as” in making comparisons between two or
more dissimilar things.

© 2011, Brenda Sain, www.thetiethatbindsus.com

Terms to know:

Alliteration - Words in sequence or in close proximity which have the same initial
consonant sounds.

Assonance - Words in sequence or in close proximity which have the same internal
vowel sounds.

Consonance - Words in sequence or in close proximity which end with the same
consonant sounds.

Simile - The use of “like” or “as” in making comparisons between two or more
dissimilar things.

Directions:
Underline words with the same initial consonant sounds in each sentence. Circle
the words like or as when comparing two or more dissimilar things. Write on the
line which literary device was used.

1. “They returned to their tables to eat their food, packed on benches

as tight as sardines, though not so plump.” ____________________

2. “The young mother’s whisper was as soft as the swirling snow

outside.” ____________________

3. “Mr. Bumble swelled like an evil giant.” ____________________

4. “In the dark, sooty cellar, cobwebs stroked Oliver’s face like creepy
fingers.” ____________________

© 2011, Brenda Sain, www.thetiethatbindsus.com

 Start a collection of Simile Cards

Each time you find a simile that you like and may want to use in your
own writing, make a card. Draw a picture on the back of your card, too!

________________ ________________

like as
________________ ________________

________________ ________________

like as
________________ ________________

________________ ________________

like as
________________ ________________

© 2011, Brenda Sain, www.thetiethatbindsus.com

Dear Moms,
If you want to use this book as a part of a unit study, several ideas for a unit study
might include: The life and times of Queen Victoria, an exploration of Charles Dickens’
novels, or England during the Industrial Revolution. We have used all of the following
resources that I can personally recommend. Keep in mind, I have children ages 3 - 14
at the time of writing this, so there should be something for everyone!

In the Days of Queen Victoria by Eva March Tappan

The Victorian House Dover coloring book
David Copperfield, children’s version by Jennifer Bassett
A Christmas Carol, children’s version by Stephen Krensky
Everyday Life in Regency and Victorian England, Kristine Hughes
Victoria and Her Court, Virginia Schomp
The Victorian Internet, Tom Standage
You Wouldn’t Want to be a Victorian Servant, Fiona MacDonald
Movies: 1948 version of Oliver Twist,The Young Victoria made in 2010, Victoria
and Albert A&E

Always learning,
Brenda

© 2011, Brenda Sain, www.thetiethatbindsus.com

© 2011, Brenda Sain, www.thetiethatbindsus.com