How does dickens present crime and criminals in Oliver Twist?

Answer 1

In "Oliver Twist," Charles Dickens presents crime and criminals as products of social injustice and poverty. The novel portrays criminals not merely as villains but as individuals shaped by their harsh environments, such as Fagin, who exploits vulnerable children, and Bill Sikes, who is a product of a brutal upbringing. Through characters like Oliver, Dickens highlights the innocence that can exist even in the midst of crime, suggesting that societal conditions often drive individuals to criminal behavior. Ultimately, Dickens critiques the systemic failures that contribute to crime, advocating for compassion and reform rather than punishment.