Crime can be a product of circumstance not choice from "summary" of Oliver Twist by Madhubun
Oliver Twist illustrates how the environment shapes individuals and their actions. Born into a world of poverty and neglect, Oliver's early life is marked by hardship. The institutions meant to protect him, like the workhouse, only deepen his suffering. Instead of nurturing, they offer brutality, compelling Oliver to navigate a treacherous landscape where survival often necessitates morally ambiguous choices.
Fagin and his gang epitomize the notion that circumstance drives behavior. These characters, molded by their desperate situations, turn to thievery as a means of survival. Fagin, once a street urchin himself, lures vulnerable children into a life of crime, demonstrating how the cycle of poverty perpetuates itself. The young thieves, including the innocent Oliver, are not inherently wicked; they are products of their environment, manipulated by the harsh realities that surround them.
Dodger, with his charming demeanor and quick wit, stands as another example. His talent for thievery emerges from a need to exist in a world that offers little else. This highlights the struggle between innate morality and external pressures. Each character’s descent into a life of crime reflects their circumstances rather than a conscious decision to forsake goodness.
Through the lens of these characters, the narrative unfolds a poignant commentary on social injustice. The relentless cycle of poverty, exploitation, and crime reveals a society that fails its most vulnerable. As Oliver encounters various figures, each interaction underscores the profound impact of circumstance on life choices. In this grim tapestry, the lines between victim and villain blur, revealing a deeper truth about the human condition and the societal structures that shape it.
