Expressive Description of London and Market in Dickens’ Novel Oliver Twist

Abstract

The current article represents literary data on places and markets, portrayed in the novel of “Oliver Twist”. Dickens utilized his exceptional observational skills to depict the city where he spent the majority of his life. The Victorian era's disparity in living conditions is criticized and soci- etal structure is discussed in Oliver Twist. Class divisions have existed in cities like London since their inception.  Three markets in London: Smith- field market, Covent Garden market, and ‘Rag Fair’ were described in the novel. During the depiction of a market day, Dickens crafts a vivid auditory landscape filled with whistling, barking, bellowing, bleating, grunting, and squeaking, alongside the unpleasant clamor of shouting, swearing, quar- rels, ringing bells, and a cacophony of voices. The foul conditions of the city were demonstrated by the filth, rot, and waste that bordered the banks of the Folly Ditch, all of which were repulsive symbols of poverty.