OLIVER TWIST
The extract taken from the novel "Oliver Twist" is written by Charles Dickens. The story narrates Oliver Twist's situation and society conditions. First of all C.Dickens starts with a brief description of the child (he is nine years old, he's pale, thin, in contrast with his strong spirit), which has the function to introduce what Oliver will do and what will be his destiny. The layout has the introductory function to present characters. Oliver Twist is the title of the novel, and the content would be the exploitation provided by a documentary proof. Through the narration, the reader can't have a different reaction. The use of language reminds to Darwinism. Narrator has the ability to state a mental picture of Oliver's weakness and strength. The narration starts from general to the specific, to put into focus Oliver's problems, he becomes a paradigmatic figure. Out of this choice Charles Dickens develops a purpose and arrange it with his grotesque in writing. There is the language of sense impression, with a metonymical rendering, complaining their hunger.
The setting of the extract is a large room, made of stone, where there is a big container in which there is the food. It is tendered by a religious language, in fact the master with the apron and in the act of distributing food seems to be a priest. Going on the story is in terms of sacrifice, Oliver is a victim and represents the hero of the text. The small quantity of the food is in contrast with the large stone hall.
Dickens uses irony in order to judge in an indirect way the act of polishing bowls, that can be compared to that of polishing shoes. Pathos: their lives depends on that copper. Dickens uses a language in a climax way which also introduces the theme of cannibalism. There is a judgement of the way the children act by the use of adverbs, suggesting their actions also through the use of onomatopoeic verbs "splashing"
"Boys have great appetites": it's a statement, it reveals a disgrace, hunger is seen as a form of weakness. Children are presented as animals, predators, with a cannibal attitude.
In the room everything is checked, controlled, ordered. The problem of the hunger comes to the surface. Dickens shows the contrast between the fat/healthy master, which represents the good, and the thin/ pale unhealthy child, which is symbol of weakness. "master clung for support to the copper" : reference to the body language.
"I want some more" long vowels. The reaction of the master is an aggressive one, as an animal, he reacts in this way because he is afraid to lose his power in controlling the children, he reveals his inability to manage the situation.