Bentley’s Miscellany, from February 1837 to April 1839. With Oliver Twist, Charles Dickens controversially offered a glimpse into the life of the poor. Beyond the theme of ones environment affecting their identity, Dickens shows how Oliver struggles to change his life for the better, stuck in the lower end of the class system. This represents the lives of many people during this time as they are unable to better their condition. The outlook of the poor from the rich man’s perspective is also explored with neglect and disgust.

‘Oliver Twist is a great success and we know it’s read throughout society, there are popular representations and theatrical adaptations that the poor watch, but it’s also read by Queen Victoria for example who says she finds it excessively interesting. And there’s an interesting exchange between her and Lord Melbourne (who’s the Prime Minister) and he doesn’t want to read Oliver Twist, he says, ‘It’s set amongst workhouses and pickpockets and coffin makers and people of that sort. I don’t wish to know about them in reality and I don’t wish to read about them in fiction.’ (John Bowen) Here, the interest of Queen Victoria, is an example of the higher class becoming interested in class issues. Although the reaction of the Prime Minister shows the ignorance towards any change.

Figure 5 is a public notice to persuade the public against joining any kind of illegal society or union, or risk being guilty of felony, and liable to be transported for seven years. The way in which this caution is formed shows clever use of the written word.