Abstract: As one of the greatest critical and realist writers in 19th century Britain, Charles Dickens created many monumental works. Oliver twist, as one of his greatest works, reflects Dickens’ understanding on the Victorian ethics and morals in depth. It also embodies the spirit of his humanitarianism. This paper aims to discuss and analyze the influence of Victorian society on Oliver’s growth, mainly from aspects of economy, culture and social hierarchyhy in Victorian Age. To see the effects of social environment on Oliver ’growth, the paper is divided into four parts. Chapter One is about a brief introduction of Charles Dickens’s life and his work Oliver Twist. Chapter Two deals with the features of the Victorian society such as economy, politics and moral values. Chapter Three relates in detail social environment with Oliver’s growth. The last chapter reaches a conclusion that Victorian society does have huge influences on Oliver’s growth, both positive and negative.

Key words: Oliver Twist; Victorian society; social environment; child growth

Contents

Abstract

摘要

1. Introduction-1

1.1 A Brief Introduction to Charles Dickens-1

1.2 A Brief Introduction to Oliver Twist-1

2. Features of Victorian Society-2

2.1 Economic feature: Affluence and Poverty-3

2.2 Political Feature: Social Relief and Poor law-4

2.3 Education Feature: Public School and Ragged School-6

3. Influences of Victorian Society on Oliver’s Growth-7

3.1 Physical Influence-8

3.2 Mental Influence-12

3.3 Moral Influence-15

4. Conclusion-16

References-17