Online Exhibition: Character Sketches from the World of Charles Dickens
This exhibition celebrates one of the most enduring legacies of Charles Dickens's genius: the unforgettable characters he brought to life.
Mr. Bumble is the abusive beadle at the workhouse where Oliver is born. His abuse of the workhouse's residents reflects Dickens's distaste for the workhouse system. Bumble ultimately marries Mrs. Corney and becomes a resident of the same workhouse himself.
Joseph Clayton Clark,"Kyd." The Characters of Charles Dickens. London: Raphael Tuck, 1890.
Oliver is born in a workhouse of a dying mother. In George Cruikshank's now iconic depiction Oliver, after casting lots among the children and losing, asks for more gruel.
George Cruikshank, plate from Oliver Twist, 1837.
The Artful Dodger, also known as Jack Dawkins, is the most successful of Fagin's[MS1] thieves. He introduces Oliver to the art of pickpocketing and is ultimately captured and sentenced to transportation[AG2] .
Joseph Clayton Clark,"Kyd." The Characters of Charles Dickens. London: Raphael Tuck, 1890.
Jack Dawkins and Charlie Bates take Oliver out to practice picking pockets. The Artful Dodger picks the pocket of Mr. Brownlow, who discovers the robbery. Oliver is hurt in the scuffle and taken to Brownlow's home to recover.
George Cruikshank, watercolor drawing illustrating Oliver Twist, ca. 1838.
Bill Sikes is a malevolent thief who kidnaps Oliver in an effort to return him to a life of crime. After brutally murdering his mistress, Nancy, he accidentally hangs himself while attempting to avoid a mob that is chasing him.
Joseph Clayton Clark,"Kyd." The Characters of Charles Dickens. London: Raphael Tuck, 1890.
Fagin is a receiver of stolen goods who runs a school for pickpockets. He is eventually tried and sent to Newgate Prison where he is executed for his crimes. Fagin is based on the real-life Jewish fence, Ikey Soloman (1758-1850).
F. G. Lewin. Characters from Charles Dickens. London: Chapman and Hall, 1912.
While running an errand for Mr. Brownlow to pay a local merchant five pounds and return some books, Oliver is kidnapped by Bill Sikes and Nancy. Oliver cries, "I don't belong to them. Help! Help!"
FOC Darley. Darley's Character Sketches from Dickens. Estes and Lauriat, Boston, 1892.