Social Critique
Here we can see how Imperialism contributed to an unequal society because of the unfair distribution of wealth. While some people prospered and benefited from industries, many others suffered and grew poorer. As a result, crime became a way of life for many children, offering them the only means to survive and find food.
There was a huge gap between the poor and the wealthy. Women also played important roles at that time, but their opportunities were limited. Education was not accessible to children like Oliver, who were instead educated by the harsh realities of the streets.
Reading Oliver Twist made me realize how deeply poverty and injustice affected people in Victorian England, and how each main character of the story represents a specific theme: Oliver symbolizes innocence and the voiceless children with no rights; Fagin represents corruption and the abuse of children; Nancy embodies empathy and compassion; and Mr. Brownlow represents the philanthropic class who helped those in need.