ENG - NOTES OF OLIVER TWIST

OLIVER TWIST

Dictation: after the explanation of lesson, before notes.

Complete the following sentences:

1) The master ladled out the gruel from the copper during mealtimes.

2) A bill was pasted on the gate offering five pounds to take Oliver as an apprentice.

3) The master, after aiming a blow on Oliver’s head, cried out for the beadle.

4) As a punishment Oliver was put into an instant confinement.

 Short questions-

1) What did Oliver want ‘some more’ of?

Ans- Oliver wanted “some more” of the gruel.

2) Who was Limbkins?

Ans- Limbkins was the chairman of the Board of Guardians for the workhouse.

3) Whom did the tall boy threaten to ‘eat’?

Ans-The tall boy threatened to eat the boy, he was sleeping next to.

4) Describe the kind of food that was served at the workhouse.

Ans- Each boy in the workhouse had one porringer and was served only one ounce of gruel, except on festive occasions when they were served two ounces of gruel and a quarter of bread.

5)Why was the council called?

Ans- A council was called to decide that boys would ask the master for more gruel and Oliver was given the responsibility.

6) Why was Oliver punished so badly for having asked for more gruel?

Ans- Mr. Bumble and the Workhouse Board wanted to ensure that the other boys never dare to ask for more gruel.

Answer the following in detail-

1)How did the  boys react to the meal served to them ?

Ans- The poor, hungry boys wolfed down the gruel, in such a manner that the bowls always seemed smooth and never really needed any washing. After finishing their meal they would sit and stare eagerly at the copper as they were still hungry and suck their fingers so that not a single morsel would be missed.

 2) When Oliver asked for some more gruel, how did the master react ?

Ans- The master was shocked and stared in surprise at Oliver. He clung to the copper for support. When Oliver repeated the request, he gave a blow on Oliver’s head with the ladle. He then held him by the arm and cried out for the beadle.

3) Describe the reaction of the board , when Mr. Bumble told them about Oliver’s act.

Ans- The Board was in a meeting when Mr. Bumble narrated Oliver’s act. Mr. Limbkins questioned Mr. Bumble again and again. Then Oliver was put into instant confinement and the next day they posted a bill at the gate of the workhouse, offering five pounds to anyone who would take Oliver Twist as an apprentice for any business, trade or calling.

4) Why has Dickens called Oliver ‘the small rebel ‘?

 Ans- Dickens has called Oliver a ‘small rebel’ for the following reasons-

a)Oliver was a very small boy (eight years old), yet he asked for his right to eat proper food.

b) He broke the unwritten rule of ‘not asking for extra food in spite of being hungry and starved’. The Board and officers felt that he had questioned their control over the boys.

5) What opinion do you form of the place and people which houses Oliver Twist?

Ans-Oliver Twist and his friends have been kept in a very shabby manner, with little to eat.The place resembles a prison and the man with the ladle in the hand has been depicted as an authoritative figure with little sympathy for the children.