In defense of Oliver Twist (2)

In part one, the author embarked upon an unsolicited humanitarian journey to correct the stain of greed associated with poor Oliver’s name. It is obvious from reply received that many are sympathetic to Oliver’s travail. In this part, an attempt will further be made to clear all air of misgivings around him (as portrayed) in the first two chapter of the novel; and to place him where he belongs – a hero.

Granted that Oliver was desperate with hunger (a good motive to ask for more), he did not do that on his volition. It was a council’s decision that Oliver Twist carried out. The text below shows us how the Oliver carried out the task.

The evening arrived; the boys took their places. The master, in his cook's uniform, stationed himself at the copper; his pauper assistants ranged themselves behind him; the gruel was served out; and a long grace was said over the short commons. The gruel(food) disappeared; the boys whispered each other, and winked at Oliver; while his next neighbours nudged him. Child as he was, he was desperate with hunger, and reckless with misery. He rose from the table; and advancing to the master, basin and spoon in hand, said: somewhat alarmed at his own temerity:

"Please, sir, I want some more."

Oliver was further brutalized and confined for this utterance (and deed). To further compound his misery, he was eventually offered for “sale” for five pounds, with a “prophecy” that he will live to be hanged.

I’d like to submit that based on the background of Oliver – debased, abused, tortured, maltreated, ignorant, uncared for, unwanted – it is very easy for him to believe that the fellow who threatened to “eat” one of them will indeed carry out the threat. Moreover, “the boys” were the only one who “cared” for Oliver and he shared a lot with them. It will be unfortunate for Oliver to refuse the decision of the “council” that he was part of, more so when the decision to choose him was by ballot.

For his action, Oliver was not a villain but a hero; who dared the odds to carry out a joint decision. What's more? Oliver did not “tell”; he bore the responsibility for his action. The punching, shouting, screaming, and locking up was bore by him alone. Oliver suffered for the council (the boys). He was brave – a hero.

However, over time, the role and consequences of Oliver efforts and deed has watered down. In our bid to communicate, we seem interested in remembering the “sins” of Oliver and little about the story behind it.

I like to conclude this part by suggesting that when we think of using “Oliver ask for more”, in any of its various forms, we should rather say “Give an man an inch and he’ll ask for a mile” (or any of it variance). This way, we pass the same message across without further disparaging the good name of our poor hero – Oliver Twist.