Tuesday 25 October 2011

ABC Wednesday, O for Oliver Twist.

Oliver Twist is the second novel by English author Charles Dickens, published by Richard Bentley in 1838. The story is about an orphan Oliver Twist, who endures a miserable existence in a workhouse and then is placed with an undertaker. He escapes and travels to London where he meets the Artful Dodger, leader of a gang of juvenile pickpockets. Oliver is led to the lair of their elderly criminal trainer Fagin, naively unaware of their unlawful activities.



Oliver Twist is notable for Dickens' unromantic portrayal of criminals and their sordid lives. The book exposed the cruel treatment of many a waif-child in London, which increased international concern in what is sometimes known as "The Great London Waif Crisis": the large number of orphans in London in the Dickens era.
The musical, on the other hand is romantic and entertaining in a very pleasant way. The actors are excellent singers and dancers. Still there are some sad moments in the musical, but the story has a happy end!


With thanks to Denise Nesbitt, who created ABC.For more interesting ABC posts click on the logo in the sidebar or

Here. This week we are looking for words beginning with O.

28 comments:

DawnTreader said...

Oliver Twist was one of the first novels I read in the English language back in my early teens. It was certainly the first 'classic' I read in English.

Carver said...

That is a novel that stuck with me from the first time I read it. I've also seen Oliver many times and was even in a school play of it ages ago.

Carol Murdock said...

LOVE Dickens.....especially Oliver Twist! This was a real treat Wil !
XO

Nanka said...

This is a delightful video and liked the child artists!! A well made musical!! Thank you for the share!!

MaR said...

It is one of the books of my childhood, how lovely, thank for the memories. Great choice for O !

O is for..

J.Rylie.C said...

Very interesting video!

Please come and take a look at my O entry, have a good day!

anthonynorth said...

People forget Dickens was a great campaigner, too. Great words.

George said...

Thanks for this post on Oliver Twist. I certainly agree that the novel and the musical have very different atmospheres.

mrsnesbitt said...

Hey Wil - what can I say except...."Consider yourself - one of us!" Great post for ABC Wednesday.
Thanks so much
Denise ABC Wednesday

Roger Owen Green said...

our HS choir used to sing songs from Oliver! Always liked them.
ROG, ABC Wednesday team

Roy Schulze said...

That was one of the few movies I saw as a child, back when movies were a treat, not something you watch over dinner. I suspect, though, I wouldn't much like the politics of it now. Great songs, though. My ABC Wednesday is O is for Oracle.

photowannabe said...

Please sir, may I have some more porridge?
That's the first thing that came to mind from the movie.
A fascinating classic. Thanks for peaking my interest again.

Paula Scott Molokai Girl Studio said...

What an oppressing time that story was written in, don't you think? Good for Dickens for not sugarcoating the era.

Leslie: said...

A wonderful and classic story! My younger daughter had a singing role in Oliver when she was in high school. Have a great week, Wil.

Leslie
abcw team

Kay L. Davies said...

What a wonderful choice for O day, Wil.

Kay, Alberta, Canada
An Unfittie’s Guide to Adventurous Travel

Hildred said...

Dickens was such a great commentator and crusader for better conditions in the London of his day. Thanks for a wonderful video, Wil.

Chubskulit Rose said...

That video is worth viewing for!

Learn some Filipino custom and words with my O entry. Come and see.

Oakland Daily Photo said...

Dickens is credited with exposing the cruel inequities in English society of the time. Sounds familiar, no?

Kay said...

"Where Is Love?" is my favorite song from that movie. I loved the movie, but I'm embarrassed to say I haven't read the book. I'll have to upload it to my Kindle.

Tumblewords: said...

This was probably one of the first 'required' reading assignments. I'll never forget it. Gives me a chill thinking about parts of it.

genie said...

What a wonderful post for this old gal. My 48 year old daughter was n Oliver as a child in the community theatre, and then I have seen performances in London and Belfast both. I adore the play and hearing the music again was a wonderful way to end the night. genie

Rune Eide said...

I remember reading Oliver Twist for the first time as a boy, and it scared me. Even though it had a happy end for Oliver. But as a musical? I don't think so.

Arkansas Patti said...

Thanks for the reminder Wil. I really need to read the book as I have relied on movies and theater versions.
Thanks for stopping by and for your kind comments and good wishes.

Indrani said...

I want to reread this book NOW.
Great post.

Unknown said...

wonderful post, coming from ABC Wednesday.


My Third Eye

SandyCarlson said...

Oliver Twist is a heart-breaker. Your post touches my heart.

Marja said...

Master Dickens I just love the stories. Great video

Ann, Chen Jie Xue 陈洁雪 said...

Love the book and muscial.