An Analysis of the Personalities of Oliver Twist

文学4班杨莉莉 2010124110

【Abstract】Oliver Twist is one of the most representative works of Charles Dickens,who was a vast host of victorian novelist.The essay will focus on and analyze the precious personalities of Oliver Twist.Such as the braveness,kindness,perseverance and thirst for knowledge.The typical examples and analysis will present a better understanding of the protagonist from different perspectives.

【Key words】Oliver Twist, personality, braveness, kindness, perseverance

Introduction

Oliver was an orphan whose mother died by the roadside and he passed his early childhood in a poor farm in neglect and near starvation.He moved back to the workhouse when he was nine years old.The orphans in the workhouse have to work from day to night and the food was not sufficient,so he often went to bed with his stomach empty.Then he was sent to a casket maker to learn a trade,but he was maltreated by the hostess.Oliver ran away to London in order not to be maltreated again;however,he was forced to be a thief by the bad guys.With the help of kind-hearted person,he escaped from it and lived a better life.

Personalities analysis

Though Oliver was a poor orphan who couldn't enjoy a happy and comfortable childhood,he didn't become to a person who is dispirited and black-hearted boy.On the contrary,he possessed a lot of good personalities.We can see the braveness,kindness,perseverance and thirst for knowledge in his little heart.

Braveness

There is no doubt that Oliver was a brave young man.Though someone may say he was not brave enough because he often cried and he was scared when he was left alone with the coffin.However,When he was in the workhouse,the boys held a council,lots were cast who should walk up to the master after supper that evening,and ask for more;and it fell to Oliver Twist.Though he knew that he could be punished by the master,he still made his proposal."Please,Sir,I want some more."1°He spoke out in front of others.What's more,he fought with Noah,a servant in the casket maker's home,for Noah has said something bad about Oliver's dead mother.

Kindness

Oliver was a kind-hearted boy in comparison with the orphans in the workhouse and the thieves in London.Though he was well trained by Fagin,the chief thief of the gang,Oliver didn't want to be a criminal.When he was forced by them to show the way to a wealthy house,he fought

again and again.Once they have broken into the house,Oliver shouted out to warn the host.Unfortunately,He was shot by one of the thief.We can analyse that Oliver was an honest and kind boy though he grew up in bad circumstances.

Perseverance

Perseverance is the most important personality of Oliver Twist.He could achieve nothing if he didn't possess it.When he was in the casket maker's house,he was maltreated by the hostess and the elder servant Noah.One day,The hostess punished him for he fought with Noah and Noah was injured.He couldn't bear it anymore and he ran away.He didn't know where to go either.No matter how the weather was,he kept going.He could only hide in the mow or under the tree when it comes to rain.He was too hungry to walk,then he fainted during the journey.Fortunately,a old woman saved him and gave some food to him.He continued his walking after that and he was hopeful when he saw the milestone to London.It was seven days that he has arrived in London.His only shoes have wore out.Although he was like a beggar ,he made it.Few person can overcome the difficulties in it.However,a nine-year-old boy has made it.It was perseverance that contributed to his arriving in London.

Thirst for knowledge

When Oliver was in Mr.Brownlow's house,he was totally attracted by the books that Mr.Brownlow held and he said he wanted to read all of them.2°He often read the book in the grassland under the bright sunshine.He had the desire for knowledge under such difficult circumstances.It was the most precious personality of him.Meanwhile,when he was caught again by the thieves,he was going to return Mr.Browlow's book.The thieves wanted to sell the book in order to get some money.Oliver has tried his best to protect the book.From this distinctive action,Oliver had left a good impression on readers for his learning spirit.

Conclusion

Oliver Twist is not only a story which tells a boy's miserable and bumpy childhood,but also a meaningful educational novel for all children.According to the analysis,people can have a good understanding of the protagonist's qualities.The personalities that Oliver owns are really needed.Oliver's experience and his precious personalities ——the braveness,kindness,perseverance and thirst for knowledge tell us that,no matter how hard the situation is,no matter how many difficulties are in front of us,we should never give up.Try to be a brave and kind-hearted person is important for our daily life,while to always keep the thirst for knowledge will definitely enrich our spiritual life.

References

1.《雾都孤儿》 <英>狄更斯著方华文译译林出版社 2012-1-1出版第二，六，八，十

四章节

2.History and Anthology of English Literature第二册外语教学与研究出版社第173-186页 Oliver Twist

3.https://www.360docs.net/doc/b34200683.html,/view/38981.htm网页链接雾都孤儿简介

4.卢建国《查尔斯狄更斯与<雾都孤儿>》玉溪师范学院学报第20卷 2004年第7期