Oliver Wants Some More!

Comprehension

·      The children are in a large stone hall where they usually eat. In the room there are a lot of people, from the children to the master who serves food assisted by two women.

·      After children have finished eating they “sit staring at the copper” and they “suck their fingers” suggesting they want more food.

·      Children decide to ask for more food. Oliver is supposed to go to the master to ask to be served again.

·      The master “turn pale” and demonstrates he is afraid of loosing control threatening Oliver, the beadle seems calmer but he promises Oliver he will be hung, while the board is motionless

Interpretation

·      I am quite puzzled because of Oliver’s courage but also because of the violent reaction of the master who is unable to take the situation under control.

·      Contrasts: “large stone hall - one porringer… slow starvation – fat man… paralysed with wonder – paralysed with fear”

Hyperbole: “ the bowls never wanted washing… to eat the boy who slept next to him… a council was held… solemn conclave”

Repetition: “each boy… the boys… boys… the boys”

·      The author sympathizes with the boys because the extract seems to denounce the poor condition children have to suffer in workhouses.

·      Third person omniscient narrator

·      This type of narrator involves his intrusion in the description, giving judgments and opinions that do not allow the reader to find a personal meaning.

·      The narrator wants to denounce the condition of children in workhouse where they are exploited.