Oliver Twist, Vol. 1 (of 3) by Charles Dickens is a novel written in the early 19th century, centering on the trials and tribulations faced by the young orphan, Oliver Twist. Set against a harsh society, the story explores themes of poverty, social injustice, and the hardships endured by the vulnerable through Oliver's life journey. Born in a grim workhouse, Oliver loses his mother immediately after birth and is raised in an environment filled with neglect and cruelty. As he grows, he continues to endure unfair treatment and constant hunger, until one day he boldly asks for "more" food. This seemingly simple request costs Oliver dearly, propelling him into a journey marked by numerous challenges and new encounters. Though he tirelessly fights to maintain his survival and dignity, the world around him seems determined to break his spirit. Through this work, Dickens vividly portrays the cold-heartedness of society at that time, leaving a profound impact on readers.
I. TREATS OF THE PLACE WHERE OLIVER TWIST WAS BORN AND OF THE CIRCUMSTANCES ATTENDING HIS BIRTH
II. TREATS OF OLIVER TWIST¡¯S GROWTH, EDUCATION, AND BOARD
III. RELATES HOW OLIVER TWIST WAS VERY NEAR GETTING A PLACE WHICH WOULD NOT HAVE BEEN A SINECURE
IV. OLIVER, BEING OFFERED ANOTHER PLACE, MAKES HIS FIRST ENTRY INTO PUBLIC LIFE
V. OLIVER MINGLES WITH NEW ASSOCIATES. GOING TO A FUNERAL FOR THE FIRST TIME, HE FORMS AN UNFAVOURABLE NOTION OF HIS MASTER¡¯S BUSINESS
VI. OLIVER, BEING GOADED BY THE TAUNTS OF NOAH, ROUSES INTO ACTION, AND RATHER ASTONISHES HIM
VII. OLIVER CONTINUES REFRACTORY
VIII. OLIVER WALKS TO LONDON. HE ENCOUNTERS ON THE ROAD A STRANGE SORT OF YOUNG GENTLEMAN
IX. CONTAINING FURTHER PARTICULARS CONCERNING THE PLEASANT OLD GENTLEMAN, AND HIS HOPEFUL PUPILS
X. OLIVER BECOMES BETTER ACQUAINTED WITH THE CHARACTERS OF HIS NEW ASSOCIATES; AND PURCHASES EXPERIENCE AT A HIGH PRICE. BEING A SHORT, BUT VERY IMPORTANT CHAPTER, IN THIS HISTORY
XI. TREATS OF MR. FANG THE POLICE MAGISTRATE; AND FURNISHES A SLIGHT SPECIMEN OF HIS MODE OF ADMINISTERING JUSTICE
XII. IN WHICH OLIVER IS TAKEN BETTER CARE OF THAN HE EVER WAS BEFORE. AND IN WHICH THE NARRATIVE REVERTS TO THE MERRY OLD GENTLEMAN AND HIS YOUTHFUL FRIENDS.
XIII. SOME NEW ACQUAINTANCES ARE INTRODUCED TO THE INTELLIGENT READER, CONNECTED WITH WHOM VARIOUS PLEASANT MATTERS ARE RELATED, APPERTAINING TO THIS HISTORY
XIV. COMPRISING FURTHER PARTICULARS OF OLIVER¡¯S STAY AT MR. BROWNLOW¡¯S, WITH THE REMARKABLE PREDICTION WHICH ONE MR. GRIMWIG UTTERED CONCERNING HIM, WHEN HE WENT OUT ON AN ERRAND
XV. SHOWING HOW VERY FOND OF OLIVER TWIST, THE MERRY OLD JEW AND MISS NANCY WERE
XVI. RELATES WHAT BECAME OF OLIVER TWIST, AFTER HE HAD BEEN CLAIMED BY NANCY
XVII. OLIVER¡¯S DESTINY CONTINUING UNPROPITIOUS, BRINGS A GREAT MAN TO LONDON TO INJURE HIS REPUTATION
XVIII. HOW OLIVER PASSED HIS TIME IN THE IMPROVING SOCIETY OF HIS REPUTABLE FRIENDS
XIX. IN WHICH A NOTABLE PLAN IS DISCUSSED AND DETERMINED ON