Charles Dickens wrote Oliver Twist to shed light on the harsh realities of child poverty and the social injustices of Victorian England. He aimed to draw attention to the plight of orphaned and impoverished children who often faced neglect and exploitation.
At the time, many social reformers were advocating for better living conditions for the poor, and Dickens, influenced by the philanthropic movements of his era, decided to create a narrative that would evoke empathy and provoke change. Through the character of Oliver, a young boy whose innocence is challenged by the cruelty of society, Dickens illustrated the struggles faced by many children of his time.
Furthermore, Dickens wanted to criticize the workhouse system, which was designed to provide assistance but often treated the poor with disdain. The infamous line, ‘Please, sir, I want some more,’ highlights the desperation and dehumanization these children experienced. By sharing Oliver’s story, Dickens sought to instigate social reform and foster a deeper understanding of the needs of vulnerable populations.