Oliver Twist - Reading guide chapters 1 to 6

Hello! If you are planning to read Oliver Twist, which I highly recommend, here goes something that may help you. I have prepared a reading guide so that you can get organized with your reading. The first part of the reading guide includes questions about chapters 1 to 6, and it is divided into 3 parts (before reading, general questions, more detailed questions.) Below you will find a short explanation about each of them. 

According to the number of people that decide to read the story, we will see if we can have a discussion of the novel in class. Otherwise, I can open up a forum where those who are (or will be) reading the story can engage in discussions and ask me questions, among other things. We'll talk about this next class. 

I hope you find this useful!


Oliver Twist - Reading guide chapters 1 to 6

1. Before reading, a good idea is to check these words in a dictionary: artful - bolt - coffin - contempt - dodge / dodger - undertaker - workhouse. You will come across them as you read the first six chapters, so it's good that you know what they mean,

2. The following are general question about these chapters. They could be asked in the final interview.

a) What was Oliver's childhood like? You can describe his childhood, mention how he felt, and provide one or two examples to illustrate your points.
b) Most of the characters in chapters 1 to 6 think that Oliver is a misbehaved boy. What makes them think so? Do you agree with them? Is Oliver a victim or a victimizer?


3. The following are questions that will help you when reading, but they are not meant to be asked in the final interview.

a) What can you say about Oliver's family?
b) Describe Oliver's upbringing. What was he fed on? What kind of relationships did he establish in his childhood? What can you say about his punishments?

c) Does the chimney sweeper adopt Oliver Twist? Why/why not?
d) Describe Oliver's life as an apprentice to an undertaker.
e) Who is Noah Claypole? What is his relationship with Oliver like?
f) What is Oliver's big decision at the end of chapter 5?
g) Who is the artful dodger? Why, do you think, has he got this nickname?
h) Why, do you think, does the artful dodger decide to help Oliver? What are his hidden intentions?
i) Who is Fagin?