OLIVER WANTS SOME MORE

Exercises

Comprehension:

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

2.    Children, after have finished eating, “sit staring at the copper” and they “suck their fingers”: suggesting that they want more food.

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

4.    The master “turn pale”: he is afraid of losing control threatening Oliver, the beadle seems calmer but he promises Oliver he will be hung.

 Interpretation:

1.    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.

2.    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”.

3.    Third person omniscient narrator.

4.    The narrator wants to denounce the children’s condition in workhouse where they are exploited.