Which two parts of the excerpt from Oliver Twist by …

English Questions
Short Answer
Step by Step Solution
English Questions

Which two parts of this excerpt from Oliver Twist by Charles Dickens indicate sarcasm? In great families, when an advantageous place cannot be obtained, either in possession, reversion, remainder, or expectancy, for the young man who is growing up, it is a very general custom to send him to sea. The board, in imitation of so wise and salutary an example, took counsel together on the expediency of shipping off Oliver Twist, in some small trading vessel bound to a good unhealthy port. This suggested itself as the very best thing that could possibly be done with him: the probability being, that the skipper would flog him to death, in a playful mood, some day after dinner, or would knock his brains out with an iron bar; both pastimes being, as is pretty generally known, very favourite and common recreations among gentleman of that class. The more the case presented itself to the board, in this point of view, the more manifold the advantages of the step appeared; so, they came to the conclusion that the only way of providing for Oliver effectually, was to send him to sea without delay.

Short Answer

The sarcasm in ‘Oliver Twist’ highlights the absurdity of cruel treatment towards Oliver, suggesting that violence and harsh conditions could be seen as beneficial. The exaggerated and ironic language underscores societal indifference and critiques the neglect of orphans, emphasizing themes of irresponsibility among authority figures.

Step-by-Step Solution

Identify Sarcasm in the Text

The sarcasm in the excerpt from ‘Oliver Twist’ revolves around two key suggestions regarding Oliver’s fate. First, it humorously hints that being beaten to death by a skipper could be seen as a potential benefit for Oliver. Second, it sarcastically proposes that sending him to sea would be a positive step for his well-being, highlighting the absurdity of such cruel outcomes.

Examine the Language Used

The language in the quotes is exaggerated and ironic, which reveals the underlying sarcasm. For instance, the phrase about the skipper “flogging him to death, in a playful mood” starkly contrasts the notion of playfulness with the horrific act of violence. Additionally, the board’s conclusion about sending Oliver to sea emphasizes the absurdity of viewing such a harsh life as a favorable option.

Understand the Implications of Sarcasm

This sarcasm underscores the indifference of the characters towards Oliver’s suffering. By framing these extreme, dangerous options as advantageous, Dickens critiques societal neglect and the cruel treatment faced by orphans. The portrayal sheds light on deeper themes such as the irresponsibility of authority figures and the lack of genuine care for vulnerable individuals like Oliver.

Related Concepts

Sarcasm

Defining a form of verbal irony where someone says the opposite of what they really mean, often for humorous or emphatic effect

Irony

A literary device that presents a contradiction between expectation and reality, highlighting a difference between appearance and truth

Exaggeration

A rhetorical device that involves overstating or magnifying an idea or situation to emphasize a point, often used in humor and sarcasm.

Table Of Contents
  1. Which two parts of this excerpt from Oliver Twist by Charles Dickens indicate sarcasm? In great families, when an advantageous place cannot be obtained, either in possession, reversion, remainder, or expectancy, for the young man who is growing up, it is a very general custom to send him to sea. The board, in imitation of so wise and salutary an example, took counsel together on the expediency of shipping off Oliver Twist, in some small trading vessel bound to a good unhealthy port. This suggested itself as the very best thing that could possibly be done with him: the probability being, that the skipper would flog him to death, in a playful mood, some day after dinner, or would knock his brains out with an iron bar; both pastimes being, as is pretty generally known, very favourite and common recreations among gentleman of that class. The more the case presented itself to the board, in this point of view, the more manifold the advantages of the step appeared; so, they came to the conclusion that the only way of providing for Oliver effectually, was to send him to sea without delay.

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