Oliver Twist
What is the importance of the character of Nancy?
Charles Dickens' classic novel Oliver Twist was written in the 19th century it provides a valuable insight towards the life of the British during the Victorian times.
Through the character of Nancy, Dickens is able to advance the plot and send out a social message. She is a useful contrast against the other character because there is no one like her. Her character is important because in the Victorian times there was a huge divide between men and women. Women did not have as much say as men. They were just expected to serve the men. In the novel Nancy does not serve the men she does what she has to do to survive.
We are first introduced to Nancy in chapter 9 but our view of her is coloured by the innocence of Oliver; he believes them to be 'very nice girls'. Nancy and her friend's demeanour are described with a great deal of ambiguous adjectives such as 'free and agreeable' which could mean two things, free spirited or free sexually. We are later introduced to the irony of her not being free. She is controlled by Bill. She is also described as 'stout and hearty', 'not very pretty' and having 'colour in their faces'. This is a contrast to the devilish character of Fagin. By seeing the difference ion physical description we can tell that Nancy and Fagin are going to be two very different characters. The readers get the impression that Nancy is a prostitute when Oliver asks if 'she has gone work' and Fagin replies 'Yes... they do, my dear, depend on it'. At the time that the book was written prostitutes were considered the lowest people in society. However the reader becomes aware that she is what she is for necessity rather than choice. Even though she is part of the underworld she is also a victim of it.
What is the importance of the character of Nancy?
Charles Dickens' classic novel Oliver Twist was written in the 19th century it provides a valuable insight towards the life of the British during the Victorian times.
Through the character of Nancy, Dickens is able to advance the plot and send out a social message. She is a useful contrast against the other character because there is no one like her. Her character is important because in the Victorian times there was a huge divide between men and women. Women did not have as much say as men. They were just expected to serve the men. In the novel Nancy does not serve the men she does what she has to do to survive.
We are first introduced to Nancy in chapter 9 but our view of her is coloured by the innocence of Oliver; he believes them to be 'very nice girls'. Nancy and her friend's demeanour are described with a great deal of ambiguous adjectives such as 'free and agreeable' which could mean two things, free spirited or free sexually. We are later introduced to the irony of her not being free. She is controlled by Bill. She is also described as 'stout and hearty', 'not very pretty' and having 'colour in their faces'. This is a contrast to the devilish character of Fagin. By seeing the difference ion physical description we can tell that Nancy and Fagin are going to be two very different characters. The readers get the impression that Nancy is a prostitute when Oliver asks if 'she has gone work' and Fagin replies 'Yes... they do, my dear, depend on it'. At the time that the book was written prostitutes were considered the lowest people in society. However the reader becomes aware that she is what she is for necessity rather than choice. Even though she is part of the underworld she is also a victim of it.
