Oliver Twist

“Oliver”, an orphan since birth, spends much of his childhood at a ‘child farm’ (orphanage) with too many children and too little food. The farm is located roughly 70 miles outside London. One night, after being served his portion of gruel, “Oliver” asks for a second helping. This is unacceptable, and “Oliver” is sent to work as an apprentice to an undertaker. Eventually, after suffering repeated mistreatment, “Oliver” runs away and heads for London. He soon finds himself in the presence of the “Artful Dodger”, who tells him to stay at the house of an old gentleman – “Fagin” – with a number of other boys. “Oliver” learns that these boys are trained pickpockets. On an outing, “Oliver” witnesses the boys take a handkerchief from “Mr. Brownlow”, an elderly man, which prompts “Oliver” to run away in fear and confusion. The elderly man mistakes the behaviour of “Oliver” for guilt and has him arrested. However, after learning more about “Oliver”, “Mr. Brownlow” realizes his mistake and offers to take care of him at his home.