Cruelty and Irony in Dickens' "Oliver Twist" Free Essay Example

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Cruelty and Irony in Dickens' "Oliver Twist"

Mrs. Mann's Deceptive Facade

Mrs. Mann, Oliver's supposed "benevolent protectress," is a character shrouded in irony and deceit. As Oliver prepares to leave her care, Dickens paints a vivid picture of Mrs.

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Mann's insincerity. Her false display of sorrow is exemplified when she theatrically dabs the corner of her eye, a gesture intended to deceive Mr. Bumble, portraying an emotional connection she does not genuinely feel. The author exposes Mrs. Mann's duplicity through her excessive compliments towards Mr. Bumble, describing her manner as "captivating sweetness." Even the label of "benevolent protectress" becomes a bitter irony, as Mrs. Mann fails to display genuine kindness or protect Oliver from harm; instead, she inflicts cruelty upon him.

The Board's Hypocrisy and Greed

The Board, representing the societal institutions responsible for the welfare of orphans, stands as a stark example of Dickens' critique of Victorian society. As Oliver appears before the Board, the author employs irony to underscore their callousness. The "gentlemen" of the Board, individually labeled as the "red-faced gentleman" and "the surly one," are portrayed as overweight, emphasizing their excess and detachment from the harsh realities faced by those under their care. Dickens skillfully contrasts the well-fed Board members with the boys in the workhouse, who endure "the tortures of slow starvation for three months."

Their voracious hunger is described with vivid imagery, highlighting the stark contrast between the privileged Board and the suffering individuals they are meant to assist.

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When Oliver, driven by desperation, dares to "ask for more," the reaction of the master and assistants is disproportionate and absurd. The master is "stupefied," and the assistants are "paralysed with wonder," creating an atmosphere of ridicule surrounding their reactions. The Board's response, marked by "horror on every countenance," culminates in the absurd declaration, "That boy will be hung." This ironic statement lays bare the hypocrisy of a society that indulges in excess while condemning a hungry child to the gallows for seeking sustenance.

Dickens' Social Critique and the Greed of the Elite

Dickens, through these poignant scenes, delivers a scathing critique of Victorian society, unmasking the hypocrisy and greed prevalent among those in positions of power. Mrs. Mann's feigned emotions and the Board's callous indifference expose a society that neglects its moral duty to care for the vulnerable. The stark irony in Dickens' narrative serves as a powerful tool to illuminate the stark contrast between the privileged elite and the downtrodden, underscoring the pervasive cruelty woven into the fabric of Victorian society.

In conclusion, Charles Dickens employs irony as a literary device to unravel the deceptive facades and societal shortcomings in "Oliver Twist." Through the characters of Mrs. Mann and the Board, he paints a vivid picture of a society rife with cruelty, hypocrisy, and greed. As the narrative unfolds, Dickens invites readers to reflect on the stark disparities between the privileged and the oppressed, urging society to confront its moral failings and strive for a more compassionate and just existence.