The Third Level of Inquiry: Rhetoric-Stage Reading

Do you sympathize with the characters? Which ones, and why?

Does the writer's technique give you a clue as to her "argument"- her take on the human condition?

Is the novel self-reflective?

Did the writer's times affect him?

Is there an arguement in this book? Do you agree?

After reading some of the notes on Sparknotes about Charles Dickens and his life, I would believe that the story of Oliver Twist is not only reflective of Dickens life and the culture that he grew up in, but also directly criticizes the laws, chuch, and beliefs of his time.

Oliver is difficult not to sympathize with, since through out the story he never gives in to temptation, and remains good regardless of the horrible things that are done to him.

I also felt sympathy for Nancy and Rose, who through their economic circumstances, birth and upbringing, struggled with different trials throughout their lives, even though they both wanted to do what was right, and made them happy.

I guess I'm realizing what self-reflecting is. In the final thoughts I brought up that I wondered if Charles Dickens could write another excellent book that is not self-reflective.