Oliver Twist A Look At Social And Economic Classes. .

Oliver Twist: A Look at Social and Economic Classes Ricas Jones English IV Ms. McQuirk 22 March 2017 Oliver Twist: A Look at Social and Economic Classes Charles Dickens’ uses Oliver Twist as a means of informing the masses of his views on the differences in the treatment of social and economic classes, while focusing primarily on the unfavorable treatment of the poor. From the unfavorable orphanages to the workhouses to the elements of crime, Oliver Twist shows that the struggle of the poor starts early and is long lasting. There are few elements in place to improve their lives. From birth to death, they are forced to endure neglect, mistreatment, and a never-ending list of bad choices. The classes are not set up in†¦show more content†¦One article detailed the neglect that took place among those confined to a children’s hospital. It detailed how the children of privilege should be proud of the care that was shown to them. â€Å"Look at this picture well, you little, bright happy children who are well and strong, or even any afflicted like these, and be g rateful for the cheerful homes, the loving friends, the comforts which surround you!† (Pediatrics, 1981). This article in particular goes on to speak about the poor treatment during infancy and how it has a tendency to extend into childhood and adulthood. Another example of disregard for the poor can be found in the ritual of disguising the unfair treatment that was received. When officials were preparing to visit orphanages and check on the conditions of the children, advance notice was made. â€Å"Besides, the board made periodical pilgrimages to the farm, and always sent the beadle the day before, to say they were going† (Dickens, 2004). This allowed Mrs. Mann, and similar caretakers, to prepare the children for inspection. Daily needs that were usually overlooked, such as baths, were a luxury that the orphans could look forward to at these times. Workhouses were brought into existence to help the poor and elderly deal with the daily difficulties of life. Acco rding to London Lives, workhouses were created to empower the power the poor to join the workforce and change their current situations. They also wereShow MoreRelatedCharles Dickens Oliver Twist1150 Words   |  5 PagesOliver Twist, one of Charles Dickens greatest novel written in 1838, portrays the despotic social scenario of England at that time. The novel’s substitle is The Parish Boy’s Progress, which is a satirical depiction of an orphan boy, Oliver, who suffers from the miserable behavior of the authorities charged to care for orphan children. Oliver eventually becomes involved with a gang of criminals (Frank 19). 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