Oliver twist Quote by William Makepeace Thackeray
““This is Thackeray’s first full-length novel, which appeared in serialised instalments in Fraser’s Magazine between May 1839 and February 1840. Thackeray’s original intention was to criticise the Newgate school of crime fiction, exemplified by Bulwer-Lytton and Harrison Ainsworth, whose works Thackeray felt glorified criminals. Thackeray even accused Dickens of this in his portrayal of the good-hearted prostitute Nancy and the charming pickpocket, the Artful Dodger, in Oliver Twist. The appearance of the first instalments of Ainsworth’s novel Jack Sheppard at the beginning of 1839 seems to have been what spurred Thackeray into action. Ainsworth’s novel portrayed a real life prison breaker and thief from the eighteenth century in flattering terms. In contrast, Thackeray sought out a real life criminal whom he could portray in as unflattering terms as possible.””
About This Quote
Source Serial Publication: Fraser’s Magazine, May 1839–Feb 1840
Thackeray wrote his first novel to counter romanticized crime stories, aiming to depict criminals realistically and critically.
In simple terms: He wanted a gritty, unflattering view of crime.
Key Takeaway
Critique glorified criminal narratives.
Themes
literature
critique
crime
morality
Mood
critical
reflective
Type
analytical
instructive
When to use this quote
- writing a novel
- literary criticism
- teaching history
- media analysis
Key Concepts
realism
social commentary
authorial intent
Questions to Reflect On
- How does romanticizing crime affect readers?
- What responsibilities do authors have when depicting criminals?
A Different Perspective
May may oversimplify complex social causes of crime.
