The main theme and universal truth contained in Oliver Twist is that the poor and disadvantaged will always be mistreated and overlooked by society as a whole. This truth was present then and still exists in our society today in many shapes and forms.
             The book begins with Oliver Twist being born in a British workhouse. Just after his birth, Oliver's mother dies. Oliver remains at the workhouse for about nine months, until the authorities hear of his situation. They send him to a workhouse for juvenile offenders against the poor laws. The overseer, Mrs. Mann, receives money to care for each child, but she keeps most of the money and lets the children go hungry. On Oliver's ninth birthday, Mr. Bumble, the parish official, informs Mrs. Mann that Oliver is too old to stay at her establishment. Since no one has been able to locate his family, Oliver returns to the workhouse. He and his companions suffer slow starvation. After lots are cast, it falls upon Oliver to ask for more food at supper. His request so shocks the workhouse authorities that they offer five pounds to anyone who will take Oliver off their hands. They lock him in a dark room, letting him out only to wash and eat, and flogging him for public example. Mr. Gamfield, a chimney sweep, offers to take Oliver on as an apprentice. Mr. Bumble, Mr. Gamfield, and Oliver appear before a magistrate to seal the bargain. At the last minute, Oliver begs not to be apprenticed to Mr. Gamfield. The magistrate refuses to approve the apprenticeship, and the workhouse authorities again advertise Oliver's availability. Mr. Sowerberry, the parish undertaker, takes Oliver on as his apprentice. Oliver begins to work funerals in an increasingly when an epidemic of the measles breaks out. Oliver advances quickly, much to the dislike of Noah Claypool; Mr. Sowerberry's other apprentice. Noah eventually lures Oliver into a fight and gets him into trouble. Oliver decides to ru...