Charles Dickens Exam I Practice

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  • 1/37 Questions

    Dickens believed strongly that Victorian novelists could simply imitate eighteenth-century fiction, especially because eighteenth-century novelists such as Henry Fielding tended to focus on highly moral characters and never included anything improper in their novels. 

    • True
    • False
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About This Quiz

This Charles Dickens Exam I Practice focuses on 'Oliver Twist', assessing understanding through true\/false questions and specific content queries about characters and plot elements. It tests comprehension and interpretative skills relevant for learners studying Victorian literature.

Charles Dickens Exam I Practice - Quiz

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  • 2. 

    The nasty judge's name, Fang, in Chapter 11 indicates that in Dickens' world he is most likely a minor character.

    • True

    • False

    Correct Answer
    A. True
    Explanation
    In Chapter 11 of Dickens' novel, the fact that the judge's name is Fang suggests that he is a minor character. This is because the name "Fang" has negative connotations and implies a cruel or harsh personality, which is often associated with minor characters in literature. Additionally, the use of a single name for the judge instead of a full name further suggests that he is not a significant or central character in the story. Therefore, it can be inferred that the judge named Fang is most likely a minor character in Dickens' world.

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  • 3. 

    In Chapter 10, Oliver is shocked to learn that his new "friends" are: 

    • Thieves

    • Devoted cyclists

    • Spies for the police

    • Prostitutes

    Correct Answer
    A. Thieves
    Explanation
    In Chapter 10 of the book, Oliver is taken aback when he discovers that his new acquaintances are thieves. This revelation surprises him as he had initially believed them to be his friends. The fact that they are involved in illegal activities such as theft indicates that they are not trustworthy individuals. This unexpected twist in the story adds tension and suspense, leaving Oliver in a state of shock and uncertainty about his safety and well-being.

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  • 4. 

    When Oliver meets Jack Dawkins in Chapter 8, Dawkins is described as:

    • A juvenile, but having the air and manners of a man

    • A juvenile, but having the air and manners of a girl

    • A boy, but having the air and manners of a girl

    • A man, but having the air and manners of a juvenile

    Correct Answer
    A. A juvenile, but having the air and manners of a man
    Explanation
    In Chapter 8, when Oliver meets Jack Dawkins, he is described as a juvenile but having the air and manners of a man. This suggests that although Jack is young, he possesses a level of maturity and sophistication beyond his years. This contrast between his youthful appearance and his mature demeanor adds depth to his character and hints at his street-smart nature.

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  • 5. 

    In Chapter 7, Bumble's explanations for Oliver's behavior:

    • The Sowerberrys have fed him too much meat

    • He comes from a bad family, especially his mother

    • Too many violent video games

    • He's hungry and therefore not able to make rational decisions

    Correct Answer(s)
    A. The Sowerberrys have fed him too much meat
    A. He comes from a bad family, especially his mother
    Explanation
    The given answer suggests that Bumble's explanations for Oliver's behavior include the fact that the Sowerberrys have fed him too much meat and that he comes from a bad family, especially his mother. These explanations imply that Oliver's behavior may be influenced by his upbringing and the environment he has been exposed to. The excessive consumption of meat and the negative influence of his family, particularly his mother, could contribute to his actions and behavior.

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  • 6. 

    Brownlow and Grimwig place a wager that when Oliver is sent out to return Brownlow's books, he:

    • Will not return to the house, but will instead rejoin the gang of thieves

    • Will forget to return them because he sees a shop full of tasty treats

    • Will return home quickly because London is super scary

    • Will read them all before returning them

    Correct Answer
    A. Will not return to the house, but will instead rejoin the gang of thieves
    Explanation
    Brownlow and Grimwig place a wager that Oliver will not return to the house, but will instead rejoin the gang of thieves when he is sent out to return Brownlow's books. This suggests that Brownlow and Grimwig have a negative perception of Oliver's character and believe that he is more likely to engage in criminal activities than fulfill his responsibilities.

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  • 7. 

    Marks of minor characters in Oliver Twist:

    • They have one outstanding quality/attribute that defines them and they do not deviate from this (they're "flat")

    • Their names are very "on the nose," indicative of their character/personality

    • They tend to be fully identified with their professsions/work

    • They're all very nice to Oliver

    Correct Answer(s)
    A. They have one outstanding quality/attribute that defines them and they do not deviate from this (they're "flat")
    A. Their names are very "on the nose," indicative of their character/personality
    A. They tend to be fully identified with their professsions/work
    Explanation
    The minor characters in Oliver Twist have one defining quality or attribute that remains consistent throughout the story, making them "flat" characters. Additionally, their names are indicative of their character or personality, being very obvious and straightforward. They are also fully identified with their professions or work, further emphasizing their one-dimensional nature.

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  • 8. 

    NOT a difference in the 2006 Oliver Twist we watched during class:

    • It starts with Oliver as a young boy, not a baby

    • Agnes has a locket that seems significant. And a letter.

    • Agnes arriving at the workhouse is dramatized

    • We learn Oliver's mother's name, Agnes

    Correct Answer
    A. It starts with Oliver as a young boy, not a baby
    Explanation
    The given correct answer suggests that the main difference in the 2006 Oliver Twist version watched during class is that it starts with Oliver as a young boy, rather than as a baby. This implies that the beginning of the story has been altered in this version, possibly to provide more context or to skip ahead to a later point in Oliver's life.

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  • 9. 

    Two major literary genres when Dickens began writing fiction:

    • "Newgate" novels about criminals

    • "Silver-fork" novels about aristocrats

    • "War" novels about WWII

    • "Gothic" novels about vampires

    Correct Answer(s)
    A. "Newgate" novels about criminals
    A. "Silver-fork" novels about aristocrats
    Explanation
    During the time when Dickens began writing fiction, two major literary genres were popular. "Newgate" novels were focused on criminals and their stories, while "Silver-fork" novels revolved around the lives of aristocrats. These genres represented different aspects of society, with the "Newgate" novels exploring the darker side of human nature and the criminal underworld, while the "Silver-fork" novels depicted the lives of the upper class and their social interactions. Dickens himself often incorporated elements of both genres in his works, creating complex narratives that examined various social strata.

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  • 10. 

    Dickens' and the narrator's voice view of children in Oliver Twist is best defined as: 

    • Children are fundamentally innocent; they are corrupted by society (i.e. adults), when their innocence should be respected and protected

    • Children are fundamentally inclined to evil (Original Sin and all that)

    • Children should be put to work as chimney sweeps

    • Children are just little adults

    Correct Answer
    A. Children are fundamentally innocent; they are corrupted by society (i.e. adults), when their innocence should be respected and protected
    Explanation
    The correct answer suggests that Dickens' and the narrator's view of children in Oliver Twist is that they are fundamentally innocent, but their innocence is corrupted by society, specifically by adults. This view emphasizes the importance of respecting and protecting the innocence of children.

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  • 11. 

    Key features of Oliver Twist

    • It was published serially

    • It features a child protagonist, very unusual for the era (perhaps unprecedented)

    • It focuses on the lives of the poor, which some readers of the time were not thrilled about

    • Dickens didn't really care if it sold well; he wrote it for his own satisfaction

    Correct Answer(s)
    A. It was published serially
    A. It features a child protagonist, very unusual for the era (perhaps unprecedented)
    A. It focuses on the lives of the poor, which some readers of the time were not thrilled about
    Explanation
    Oliver Twist was published serially, which means it was released in installments rather than as a complete book. This was a common publishing practice during that time. The novel also stood out because it featured a child protagonist, which was quite unusual for the era and may have been unprecedented. This choice of a young protagonist allowed Dickens to shed light on the harsh realities of the lives of the poor, a subject that some readers of the time were not thrilled about. Despite potential commercial concerns, Dickens wrote Oliver Twist for his own satisfaction, prioritizing the story he wanted to tell over its potential popularity.

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  • 12. 

    When Nancy tells Rose that "if there were more like you, there would be fewer like me" (Chapter 40), she seems to be blaming prostitution on:

    • Other women, presumably for being judgmental

    • Mr. Bumble

    • Men

    • Fate

    Correct Answer
    A. Other women, presumably for being judgmental
    Explanation
    In this statement, Nancy is suggesting that if there were more women like Rose who are non-judgmental and understanding, there would be fewer women like Nancy who are forced into prostitution. This implies that Nancy believes that the judgmental attitudes of other women contribute to the existence of prostitution.

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  • 13. 

    What is true of Nancy's murder?

    • Fagin tells Sikes not to be "too violent," but it's pretty clear that he doesn't mean it.

    • Colonel Mustard kills her with a lead pipe in the conservatory

    • Sikes isn't angry when he kills her; he goes about the job calmly.

    • Sikes doesn't murder her; his dog does.

    Correct Answer
    A. Fagin tells Sikes not to be "too violent," but it's pretty clear that he doesn't mean it.
    Explanation
    The given correct answer suggests that Fagin tells Sikes not to be "too violent," but it is clear that he doesn't mean it. This implies that Fagin may actually encourage or condone violence, despite his words.

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  • 14. 

    The transparency criterion of Realism mandates that the narrative focus on what is told in a story, not how it is told: the narrative technique should not call attention to itself.

    • True

    • False

    Correct Answer
    A. True
    Explanation
    The transparency criterion of Realism states that the focus of a narrative should be on what is being told in the story, rather than how it is being told. This means that the narrative technique should not draw attention to itself. In other words, the narrative should be presented in a straightforward and unobtrusive manner, allowing the reader or audience to fully immerse themselves in the story without being distracted by the style or technique of the storytelling.

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  • 15. 

    Based on the presentations in class, conclusions about the 2007 television adaptation of Oliver Twist: 

    • Oliver's character is altered considerably from the novel; he's "round," a rebellious little boy who stands up to injustice.

    • The adaptation cleans up and simplifies the novel's often-bewildering plot

    • Tom Hardy is a handsome and charismatic Bill Sikes, unlike the fairly uncomplicated thuggish criminal in the novel.

    • The adaptation completely eliminates Fagin as a character, so as to avoid the novel's anti-Semitic portrayal.

    Correct Answer(s)
    A. Oliver's character is altered considerably from the novel; he's "round," a rebellious little boy who stands up to injustice.
    A. The adaptation cleans up and simplifies the novel's often-bewildering plot
    A. Tom Hardy is a handsome and charismatic Bill Sikes, unlike the fairly uncomplicated thuggish criminal in the novel.
    Explanation
    The correct answer is that the adaptation completely eliminates Fagin as a character, so as to avoid the novel's anti-Semitic portrayal.

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  • 16. 

    Fagin's explanation for why he was unable to turn Oliver from goodness into a enjoying a life of crime is that:

    • He didn't have anything to hold over him to make him become worse

    • Oliver fought Fagin off with karate kicks

    • Oliver's sole motivation in life was to find his father and he cared about nothing else

    • Fagin admits that he just didn't really try to turn Oliver bad because Oliver was so darned cute

    Correct Answer
    A. He didn't have anything to hold over him to make him become worse
    Explanation
    Fagin's explanation for why he was unable to turn Oliver from goodness into a life of crime is that he didn't have any leverage over him to make him become worse. This suggests that Fagin relies on manipulating and controlling others through blackmail or threats in order to influence their behavior. Without any means to exert control over Oliver, Fagin was unable to corrupt him.

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  • 17. 

    What is true about Victorian Realism

    • It was a response to the "decadence" of the novel in the early 19th century

    • 1820-37 was a "down" period for the novel, with only Sir Walter Scott being of lasting repute

    • "Genre" fiction, which is basically novels about novels, dominated the literary scope

    • All of the above

    • None of the above

    Correct Answer
    A. All of the above
    Explanation
    Victorian Realism was a response to the "decadence" of the novel in the early 19th century, as it aimed to present a more realistic portrayal of society. During the period of 1820-37, the novel experienced a decline in quality, with only Sir Walter Scott being remembered for his works. "Genre" fiction, which focused on novels about novels, was prevalent during this time. Therefore, all of the statements mentioned in the options are true about Victorian Realism.

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  • 18. 

    For all his faults, what is a good quality in Dickens' writing that defines his use of Realism?

    • His intense research

    • His drawing skills

    • His cocaine addiction

    • The lack of anti-Semitism

    Correct Answer
    A. His intense research
    Explanation
    Dickens' use of realism in his writing is defined by his intense research. This means that he thoroughly studied and observed the world around him, gathering detailed information and knowledge about various aspects of society, culture, and human behavior. This attention to detail and dedication to research allowed him to create vivid and realistic portrayals of characters, settings, and social issues in his works. By incorporating this quality into his writing, Dickens was able to bring his stories to life and provide readers with a deeper understanding of the world he was depicting.

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  • 19. 

    What killed the Newgate novel?

    • Parody

    • Jack Sheppard Controversy (guy "inspired" by novels to kill his boss)

    • CSI: Miami

    • It can't be killed in a way that matters

    Correct Answer(s)
    A. Parody
    A. Jack Sheppard Controversy (guy "inspired" by novels to kill his boss)
    Explanation
    The Newgate novel was a genre of fiction popular in the 18th and early 19th centuries, focusing on criminal behavior and the lives of criminals. Parody and the Jack Sheppard Controversy are both factors that contributed to the decline of the Newgate novel. Parody involved mocking and satirizing the conventions and themes of the genre, which led to a loss of credibility and popularity. The Jack Sheppard Controversy refers to a real-life criminal who was said to have been inspired by Newgate novels to commit crimes. This controversy brought negative attention to the genre and further contributed to its decline.

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  • 20. 

    Oliver Twist is a Newgate Novel.

    • True

    • False

    Correct Answer
    A. False
    Explanation
    Dickens denies it, because traditional Newgate novels glamorize crime; he wanted to present crime as it is

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  • 21. 

    Which of these are central events in Charles Dickens life that cements his works as almost autobiographical in the weirdest way.

    • Family relocated to London; Charles worked in a factory at age ten and met Fagin

    • Mary Hogarth's sudden death

    • He explored the sewers of Paris on a hot summer day

    • Mary Shelley's Frankenstein was published

    Correct Answer(s)
    A. Family relocated to London; Charles worked in a factory at age ten and met Fagin
    A. Mary Hogarth's sudden death
    Explanation
    Charles Dickens' works are almost autobiographical in the weirdest way because of the central events in his life. One of these events is his family relocating to London and him working in a factory at the age of ten, which reflects his own experiences of poverty and hardship. Meeting Fagin, a character from his novel "Oliver Twist," during this time further solidifies the autobiographical nature of his works. Another significant event is the sudden death of Mary Hogarth, Dickens' sister-in-law, which greatly impacted him emotionally and influenced his writing. These personal experiences and emotions are reflected in his works, making them almost autobiographical.

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  • 22. 

    The workhouses were so terrible because it was believed that a miserable experience would mean that no one would want to endure it, so no one would take "advantage" of it. 

    • True

    • False

    Correct Answer
    A. True
    Explanation
    The workhouses were designed to be terrible because it was believed that if the experience was miserable, no one would want to endure it. The idea was that by making the conditions in the workhouses unbearable, people would be discouraged from seeking assistance from them. This was seen as a way to prevent people from taking advantage of the system and relying on the workhouses for support.

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  • 23. 

    Dickens' narrator DOESN'T get a pass on transparency because he utilizes an overly chatty narrator.

    • True

    • False

    Correct Answer
    A. False
    Explanation
    While the narrator is chatty and full of snark, Dickens' narrator never breaks the fourth wall, which is key.

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  • 24. 

    In Realism, ________ focuses on the what, not how the story is being told.

    Correct Answer
    transparency
    Explanation
    In Realism, transparency focuses on the what, not how the story is being told. This means that in Realism, the emphasis is on depicting events and characters in a truthful and objective manner, without embellishment or manipulation. The focus is on presenting the story as it is, without any subjective interpretation or artistic techniques. Transparency allows the audience to see the story as if they were witnessing it firsthand, without any filters or biases.

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  • 25. 

    In Realism, __________ means the plot of the story should be plausible, not ridiculous.

    Correct Answer
    plausibility
    Explanation
    Realism in literature emphasizes the portrayal of events and characters that are believable and could happen in real life. Plausibility refers to the quality of being reasonable and convincing within the context of the story. In Realism, the plot should adhere to the principle of plausibility, ensuring that it is logical and not absurd or far-fetched. This helps to create a sense of authenticity and allows readers to relate to the story and characters more effectively.

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  • 26. 

    In Realism, ______________ means the story covers many layers of society, from rich to poor, like an onion.

    Correct Answer
    comprehensiveness
    Explanation
    Realism in literature aims to depict society and its various layers accurately. The term "comprehensiveness" refers to the quality of covering a wide range of social classes and backgrounds, similar to peeling the layers of an onion. This means that a realistic story will not only focus on the lives of the rich or the poor but will provide a comprehensive portrayal of society as a whole, including different social strata and their interactions.

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  • 27. 

    In Realism, ____________ means that the characters should act like real human beings.

    • Psychological likeness

    • Plausibility

    • Transparency

    • Comprehensiveness

    Correct Answer
    A. Psychological likeness
    Explanation
    In Realism, psychological likeness means that the characters should act like real human beings. This implies that their thoughts, emotions, and behaviors should be portrayed in a way that is believable and relatable to the audience. By emphasizing psychological realism, the characters become more complex and multidimensional, allowing the audience to connect with them on a deeper level. This adds depth and authenticity to the storytelling, making it more engaging and immersive for the viewers.

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  • 28. 

    What are some ways Dickens' kind of loses the thread of plausibility within Oliver Twist?

    • Rose Maylie living is very implausible

    • Originally not a full length novel, so the mystery of Oliver's parentage/Fagin/Monks is not unified

    • All of the above

    • None of the Above

    • Narrative mode and genre change too much; chattiness gone, goes through romance, adventure, suspense, etc

    Correct Answer
    A. All of the above
    Explanation
    The given correct answer states that all of the options mentioned contribute to Dickens losing the thread of plausibility within Oliver Twist. This means that Rose Maylie's survival is implausible, the original story not being a full-length novel affects the unity of the mysteries surrounding Oliver's parentage, Fagin, and Monks, and the narrative mode and genre changes too much, resulting in a lack of consistency. Therefore, all of these factors contribute to Dickens losing the plausibility within the novel.

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  • 29. 

    Dickens' Oliver Twist achieves comphrehensiveness with all classes but one.

    • Aristocracy

    • Middle class

    • Thieves

    • Thieves and prostitutes

    Correct Answer
    A. Aristocracy
    Explanation
    Dickens' Oliver Twist achieves comprehensiveness with all classes but the aristocracy. The story delves into the lives and struggles of various social classes, including the middle class, thieves, and prostitutes. However, the aristocracy is not extensively explored or represented in the novel. This omission suggests that Dickens focuses more on the lower classes and their experiences, highlighting social inequality and the hardships faced by the marginalized.

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  • 30. 

    According to Dickens himself, Nancy choosing to go back to Bill Sikes IS psychologically plausible.

    • True

    • False

    Correct Answer
    A. False
    Explanation
    Both Dickens and Victorians at the time disagreed. They believed that by Nancy seeing the inherent goodness of the Maylies, she should've just turned Fagin and Sikes in. It's funny how Dickens actually stumbled onto writing a character that's truly realistic, then undermines his own writing because of public outcry.

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  • 31. 

    Which of these characters exhibits psychological likeness?

    • Mr. Bumble

    • Nancy

    • Mr. Grimwig

    • Oliver

    Correct Answer
    A. Mr. Bumble
    Explanation
    Mr. Bumble exhibits psychological likeness because he is portrayed as a self-righteous and pompous character, displaying a sense of superiority and entitlement. He is shown to have a lack of empathy towards others and a tendency to exploit his position of authority. These traits suggest a certain psychological mindset, indicating a similarity in thinking and behavior.

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  • 32. 

    In response to Eliza Davis' criticism towards Dickens' Jewish characters, such as Fagin, what were Dickens' defense against her letter regarding this stereotypical depiction of Jewish people.

    • Fagin is a realistic character for the era

    • The other villainous characters are Christians

    • He is called "the Jew" not because of his religion, but because of his race

    • All of the above

    • None of the above

    Correct Answer
    A. All of the above
    Explanation
    Dickens' defense against Eliza Davis' criticism regarding the stereotypical depiction of Jewish people in his works includes the explanation that Fagin is a realistic character for the era, that the other villainous characters in his works are Christians, and that Fagin is called "the Jew" not because of his religion, but because of his race. These explanations suggest that Dickens' intention was to accurately portray the social and cultural context of the time period, rather than perpetuating negative stereotypes about Jewish people.

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  • 33. 

    Dickens' minor characters NEVER break out of their mold.

    • True

    • False

    Correct Answer
    A. False
    Explanation
    Not true! Take Mr. Grimwig kissing Rose Maylie, he seems to note he is a minor character and instructs her not to tell anyone. It's more like an actor breaking character before "returning" to that character, as symbolized by him literally returning to his place, the chair.

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  • 34. 

    Dickens’ novels usually end with a return to nature, such as living in the country, and the foundation of a non-biological family.

    • True

    • False

    Correct Answer
    A. True
    Explanation
    Dickens' novels often conclude with a return to nature, such as characters moving to the countryside, and the formation of a non-biological family. This can be seen in novels like "Great Expectations" where Pip finds solace in nature and starts a new life with Estella, and "Bleak House" where Esther and Jarndyce establish a loving family. This recurring theme reflects Dickens' belief in the restorative power of nature and the importance of creating meaningful connections with others beyond blood ties.

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  • 35. 

    What is Dickens trying to teach us via Oliver Twist? 

    • Moral lesson about the mistreatment of the lower classes/children

    • Moral lesson about charity/"Goodness" towards everyone, blurring the lines of class distinction

    • Poor people suck and are inherently helpless

    • If you cry hard enough, you'll get what you want. Simba didn't cry hard enough for Mufasa to come back

    Correct Answer(s)
    A. Moral lesson about the mistreatment of the lower classes/children
    A. Moral lesson about charity/"Goodness" towards everyone, blurring the lines of class distinction
    Explanation
    Dickens is trying to teach us about the mistreatment of the lower classes and children, as well as the importance of charity and "goodness" towards everyone, regardless of their social class. He highlights the injustices and hardships faced by the lower classes and emphasizes the need for compassion and empathy towards those less fortunate. Dickens also challenges the notion of class distinction, suggesting that kindness and generosity should be extended to all individuals, regardless of their social standing.

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  • 36. 

    How does the novel try to teach us?

    • Narrator's interjections about the behavior of adults toward Oliver

    • Symbolic nature of the Maylie family

    • Nancy's goodness is in spite of her being a prostitute

    • By relying on stereotypes that make the good white characters look good

    Correct Answer(s)
    A. Narrator's interjections about the behavior of adults toward Oliver
    A. Symbolic nature of the Maylie family
    Explanation
    The novel tries to teach us through the narrator's interjections about the behavior of adults toward Oliver and the symbolic nature of the Maylie family. These elements help to highlight the mistreatment of Oliver by adults and emphasize the importance of kindness and compassion. The narrator's interjections provide a critical perspective on the actions of the characters, encouraging readers to reflect on their own behavior towards others. The symbolic nature of the Maylie family represents a contrast to the harshness of the world Oliver experiences, showing the possibility of finding goodness and love even in difficult circumstances.

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Quiz Review Timeline (Updated): Mar 20, 2023 +

Our quizzes are rigorously reviewed, monitored and continuously updated by our expert board to maintain accuracy, relevance, and timeliness.

  • Current Version
  • Mar 20, 2023
    Quiz Edited by
    ProProfs Editorial Team
  • Feb 09, 2020
    Quiz Created by
    ProfMyrtle

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