Oliver Twist is the orphan in the novel of the same name – and one of Charles Dickens' most famous creations.

The novel is a classic piece of UK literature and a great book to discuss with your class, as it covers several interesting themes.

You can watch our short video, titled 'Oliver Twist' below to help you get to grips with some of the common themes within the novel.

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The video covers a variety of topics you can discuss with your class, including:

  • how Dickens uses heroes and villains within Oliver Twist

  • the inspiration behind Dickens' writing

  • common themes within Oliver Twist

  • famous moments from the book

You can use these points to ask your students what they think the themes of the novel are, as well as their opinions on the characters within the story. Try setting key discussion points and activities in the classroom. These could include:

  • role playing – acting out scenes from the novel to better understand the emotions and dynamics of the characters

  • writing – encouraging learners to write their own stories, inspired by the characters in Oliver Twist

  • quizzes – a fun, interactive way of assessing your learners' knowledge of the novel.

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