Oliver Twist is set in the early 19th century, specifically during the years following the 1834 Poor Law Amendment in England. The story, written by Charles Dickens, depicts the harsh realities of life for the poor and orphaned children in Victorian London. Dickens uses this setting to highlight the social injustices of the time, showing how the industrial revolution and urbanization affected the lives of the working class.
The novel opens with Oliver’s birth in a workhouse in a small town, and as he grows, he faces numerous challenges that reflect the struggles of many children during that era. The bleak environment and the characters he encounters illustrate the grim conditions of London and the failings of the social welfare system.