Oliver Twist, or The Parish Boy's Progress, is the second novel by English author Charles Dickens. It was first published as a serial from 1837 to 1839 in the magazine Bentley's Miscellany, and then as a three-volume book in 1838. The novel tells the story of the orphan Oliver Twist, who endures a harsh upbringing in a workhouse, is sold into apprenticeship, and eventually escapes to London, where he becomes entangled with a gang of juvenile pickpockets led by the conniving Fagin. Through a series of adventures, Oliver discovers his true identity and finds a family.
The novel is an early example of the social novel, satirizing the cruel treatment of orphans, child labor, and the criminal underworld of 19th-century England. Dickens drew on his own difficult childhood experiences and the reported case of a child laborer to lend authenticity to Oliver's plight. The character of Fagin became one of Dickens's most memorable villainous creations, while Nancy's moral complexity added depth.
Oliver Twist has been highly influential in literature and popular culture, helping to raise awareness about social injustices. Its vivid characters and dramatic narrative have made it a favorite for stage and screen adaptations. The novel remains a staple of English literature, studied for its themes of poverty, class, and redemption.
