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What is Oliver Twist's True Identity?

Published in Literature 2 mins read

Oliver Twist's true identity is a mystery. The novel, Oliver Twist, by Charles Dickens, doesn't reveal his parentage.

Here's what we know:

  • Oliver is an orphan: He is born in a workhouse and raised in a harsh environment.
  • His mother dies shortly after giving birth: The circumstances of her death are shrouded in mystery.
  • He is sold to an undertaker: This event further separates him from his past.
  • He escapes and travels to London: His journey leads him to the criminal underworld.
  • He is mistaken for a missing child: This encounter, with the Brownlow family, provides a glimmer of hope for discovering his true identity.

While the novel leaves Oliver's parentage unresolved, it offers glimpses of his potential lineage. The Brownlows believe Oliver might be the son of a wealthy gentleman, and the mysterious figure of Monks, who seeks to ruin Oliver, suggests a connection to his past.

Despite the uncertainty, Oliver's true identity is not the central theme of the story. The novel focuses on his struggle for survival, his exposure to the harsh realities of poverty, and the corrupting influence of society.

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