Oliver Twist (E.E)

a. a. Describe the kind of food that was served at the workhouse. How did the boys react to the meal? A.Each boy in the workhouse had one porringer and was served only one ounce of gruel, except on festive occasions when they  were served two ounces of gruel and a quarter of bread. The poor, hungry boys wolfed down the gruel, in such a manner that the bowls always seemed smooth and never really needed any washing. After finishing their meal they would sit and stare eagerly at the copper as they were still hungry and suck their fingers so that not a single morsel would be missed.

b.  How and why did Oliver decide to ask for an extra helping of gruel? A.One day, a tall boy threatened to eat the boy he slept next to, if he did not get an extra basin of gruel. All the other boys got scared and decided that one boy would stand up and ask for more food. Thus, lots were drawn and Oliver was selected to ask for an extra basin of gruel. That evening, after eating their serving of gruel, the boys whispered and winked at Oliver while his neighbours nudged him. So, Oliver, approached the master and asked for more gruel.

c.  When Oliver asked for ‘some more’ gruel, how did the master react? A.The master was shocked and stared in surprise at Oliver. He clung to the copper for support. When Oliver repeated the request, he gave a blow on Oliver’s head with the ladle. He then held him by the arm and cried out for the beadle.

d. Describe the reaction of the Board, when Mr.Bumble told them about Oliver’s act. A.The Board was in a meeting when Mr. Bumble narrated Oliver’s act. Mr. Limbkins questioned Mr. Bumble again and again. Then Oliver was put into instant confinement and the next day they posted a bill at the gates of the workhouse, offering five pounds to anyone who would take Oliver Twist as an apprentice for any business, trade or calling.

e. Why has Dickens called Oliver ‘the small rebel’? A.Dickens has called Oliver a ‘small rebel’ for the following reasons- i) Oliver was a very small boy (eight years old), yet he asked for his right to eat proper food. ii) He broke the unwritten rule of ‘not asking for extra food in spite of being hungry and starved’. The Board and officers felt that he had questioned their control over the boys.

f. If you were Oliver, would you have asked for one more helping of gruel? Answer with reasons. A.(personal response of the students- ) Yes, good, proper food is necessary for growth. It is right of every person to have proper food. No, Oliver simply got himself into trouble. He was in company of cruel insensitive people, who didn’t care or have pity.