1976. The conflict created when the will of an individual opposes the will of the majority is the recurring theme of many novels, plays, and essays. Select the work of an essayist who is in opposition to his or her society; or from a work of recognized literary merit, select a fictional character who is in opposition to his or her society. In a critical essay, analyze the conflict and discuss the moral and ethical implications for both the individual and the society. Do not summarize the plot or action of the work you choose.
Most people, when thrust into a new environment, will adapt and blend in, altering their behavior to match that of those around them. However, this cannot be said for Oliver Twist of the Dickens novel by the same name. Although Oliver's surroundings teem with dishonesty and ill will, he steadfastly holds to his own moral code, illustrating the resilience of good and the power of innocence.
Oliver's innocence is a trait which time and again serves exclusively to benefit. When questioned by Mr. Brownlow, it is Oliver's true innocence which convinces him that the boy was not to blame for thievery, and even causes the man to take Oliver in. His innocence serves not only himself but others as well, starting a series of events which puts Fagin to justice and enriches the life of a lonely Mr. Brownlow. The quality of life of not only Oliver but those around him, or at least those who aren't entirely corrupt, improves because of Oliver's innocence.
Oliver's strong moral sense is unchanged by his total immersion into a society that operates on acts of thievery and perpetuates violence, even when this society directly attempts to corrupt him. In the clash between Fagin's and his gang's cruelty and Oliver's purity, Oliver repeatedly wins: Nancy's resistance against Fagin's and Syke's attempts to beat Oliver represents her finally resisting the evil that's surrounded her, and she was inspired to do so by the good she found in Oliver, and after being surrounded by a society of murderers and thieves, Oliver still has the goodness to give Monks a second chance. These events serve as a testament to the power of unyielding kindness for both Oliver and society in general.
Throughout the novel, the world that Oliver is immersed in is at ends with the beliefs and traits of Oliver himself. By showing repeated examples of Oliver's traits of good and innocence overcoming the oppressive, violent society that surrounds him, Dickens demonstrates that innocence can serve as a powerful force for good, and that good will triumph over evil.
Good essay! You really hit the "so what?" question. Your conclusion was nice and short, and got straight to he point. Good examples in both your body paragraphs, but I feel like it'd be good to reference a little more to techniques. I understand that it's probably been a while since you read the book, so other than not really many connections to techniques, it's a good essay.
ReplyDeleteYour opening paragraph appears perfect to me. It follows the structure accurately and uses good back round and details. The essay seems a little bit short and lacking in the technique department In the second paragraph I cannot find any reference to any techniques; the third paragraph is lacking slightly too. It also feels like you are summarizing the plot a little too much. Beyond those points this is a good essay, especially for our first attempt.
ReplyDelete