Influence of Gothic Tradition:
It is evident in Oliver Twist that Dickens was highly influenced by Gothic tradition of the English novel initiated by Walpole, Mrs. Anne Radcliffe, ‘Monk’ Lewis, Sir Walter Scott and Harrison Ainsworth. The chilling and grotesque atmosphere of terror seen in the works of these authors is visible in Oliver Twist as well.
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| Gothic element in the Novel Oliver Twist |
The Atmosphere of Fear and Desperation:
The most of striking atmosphere of Oliver Twist lies in the atmosphere of fear and desperation that surrounds in turn the plight of Oliver menaced by Fagin's gang and Monks’ persecution, then that of Nancy menaced by the revenge of Fagin and Sikes, and at last that of the criminals themselves hunted down by justice. This superb impressionism of Dickens, even to the preservation of a certain supernatural element implied in the diabolic character of Fagin, and in the mysterious absence of his footprints after he had peered in upon Oliver in his country retreat and in the whole phantom character of Monks, has its origin in the Gothic novel.
Monks’ Summoning Mr. and Mrs. Bumble in The House, Reminding the Gothic Novel:
In Oliver Twist, the most interesting description that reminds one of the Gothic novels is the house to which Monks summons Mr. and Mrs. Bumble for the interview which adds suspense to the secret of Oliver Twist's parentage. Monks was the name from Lewis’ avenging Monk, who pursues the hero tirelessly in the sinister novel of the same name. The ghostly old building in Oliver Twist has all the furnishings of the tale of teller.
The House of Meeting, a Place of Doubtful Characters:
The house to which Mrs. and Mrs. Bumble go to meet Monks was far from being a place of doubtful characters for it had long been known at the residence of none but low ruffians , who , under various pretenses of living by their labour , subsisted chiefly on plunder and crime . It was a collection of mere hovels. Some hastily built with loose bricks. Others, of old worm - eaten ship - timber.
Oliver's First Night to Mr. Sowerberry Presenting a Sense of Awe and Terror, Also a Gothic Touch:
There is a sense of awe and terror when we find Oliver amidst the coffins. Oliver's first night of his life as an apprentice to Mr. Sowerberry is spent among and coffins. It can be imagined how little Oliver feels amidst the coffins in which bodies find their suitable place.
Totally Closed Den of Fagin:
Fagin plies his trade in some deserted, dilapidated, out - of - the world houses. His den is totally closed to the sunlight. At one stage, Oliver makes a scrutiny of the place and finds it completely dark. A little light that somehow manages to enter it appears to be itself imprisoned and intensifies the sense of darkness prevailing there.
The Hunt of Fagin and Monks for Oliver:
Fagin and Monks reach the house of Mrs. Maylie in the countryside. Oliver happens to hear these two wicked creatures whom he dreads most. Oliver's discovery fills the whole atmosphere with awe and fear. He is startled to death, but as he opens his eyes and becomes conscious of his surroundings these dream figures have already vanished. Attracted by his cries Harry and others come to him, but they can find no trace of the two men who disappeared as mysteriously as they had come.
Considering a Dark Novel:
On account of the Gothic atmosphere, Oliver Twist is often considered as Dickens’ dark novel. Almost all its interiors are bleak and gloomy, the workhouse where half - starved boys whimper with hunger in the bare stone hall and scrawny hags hang over the beds of the dying, the peepholed back room of the Three Crippples, the ruined ware - house where Monks terrifies by night. Even when Oliver rests asleep at Mrs. Maylie's just beyond the window loom Fagin and Monks, darkening the sunlight like two monstrous demons. Nancy lurks in a black shadow on the slimy steps of London Bridge.
