Abstract

Oliver Twist written by the British writer Charles Dickens tells a story of the Oliver Twist who manages to grow up in the capitalist society. According to Marx’s theory of relationship between human and environment, this paper aims to analyze Oliver’s miserable life under the influence of brutal capitalist environment and point out the impact the capitalist society exerted on the growth of the orphans. For the healthy growth of the orphans, society should play a role of guaranteeing basic material needs for the orphans, and providing proper education and warm families full of love for them. Oliver Twist had a great impact on the English society then, for not only did the image of an orphan reflect the situation of the society, but also brought light to the reality to all people that we should offer kids a warm family, and a happy childhood as well as calling for sympathy and care for orphans from the public.

Keywords: Charles Dickens; Oliver Twist; capitalist society; orphan; influence

Contents

Abstract

摘要

1.Introduction-1

2. Literature Review-2

3. The Capitalist Society’s Influence on Oliver-3

3.1 The Influence of the English Relief System on Oliver-3

3.2 The Influence of Life in the Slums on Oliver-4

3.3 Good People’s Influence on Oliver-5

4. The Critique to Capitalism in the Novel-7

5. Conclusion-8

Works Cited-10