Introducing the context of 'Oliver Twist'
I can understand the context of 'Oliver Twist'.
Introducing the context of 'Oliver Twist'
I can understand the context of 'Oliver Twist'.
These resources will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- Oliver Twist is set in Victorian England.
- Charles Dickens is a key author for our cultural heritage; ‘Oliver Twist’ is considered a children’s literature classic.
- During Victorian England, there was widespread poverty and living conditions for the poor were harsh.
- Dickens’ early experiences influenced his writing and made him care about injustice.
- Adapting a text can mean changing some parts of the story based on the target audience and new format.
Keywords
Adaptation - An adaptation is when an original story has been changed to fit into a different form or format.
Workhouse - A workhouse in Victorian society was a harsh place where poor people, including children, had to work hard in exchange for food and shelter.
Injustice - Injustice is when people don't get the same rights, opportunities or treatment as others, even though they should.
Impression - An impression refers to initial feelings about a person, place or thing, gained from reading a text.
Common misconception
Pupils may think that life for all Victorians was positive.
Depending on social class, life was very different. There was a big divide between rich and poor, with many people living in poverty.
Equipment
You need a copy of the 2014 Oxford University Press edition of ‘Oliver Twist’ written by Geraldine McCaughrean, illustrated by Jeff Anderson, for this lesson.
Content guidance
- Depiction or discussion of sensitive content
- Depiction or discussion of violence or suffering
Supervision
Adult supervision recommended
Licence
This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2024), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0 except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions (Collection 2).
Lesson video
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Starter quiz
6 Questions
poor
sad
hate
Exit quiz
6 Questions
when an original story has been changed to fit a different form
a harsh place where poor people, including children, had to work hard
when people don't get the same rights or treatment as others