This paper presents the subject of the class system in Charles Dickens' novel "Oliver Twist" as compared to the social stratification in Pakistan today.
The investigation centers on the settings and symbolism in the novel which uncovers the social stratification during the Victorian age and traces the commonalities of class society between the Victorians and contemporary Pakistani society.
Dickens showcases that poverty and vice are hereditary traits and the poor are inherently bad in conformity with the stereotypes of Victorian Britain.
Albeit it is blatant in the novel that poverty and vice are fundamentally connected but the label of bad is supposedly attached with the poor.
The stereotypes in the Victorian British society depicted by Dickens in Oliver Twist are similar to the stereotypes upheld in modern day Pakistan.
Class differences in Pakistan imply certain notions which are comparable to that of the Victorian society portrayed in the novel.
The paper accentuates the theoretical framework of the Marxist approach being applied on the primary text to underline the unquestionable proposition of colonialism of the British Empire and class divisions as an outcome of this process.
Based on the critical textual analysis of the novel, I will assess the applicability of Marxist idea of class stratification and my goal is to trace the commonalities in the social stratification and stereotypes of contemporary Pakistan and Victorian Britain.
Table of Contents
- Abstract
- Social Stratification and Stereotypes
- Economic Connections and Marxist Theory
- Economic Associations and Class Struggle
- Class Society and Economic Disparity
Objectives and Key Themes
This paper compares the class system in Charles Dickens' *Oliver Twist* to social stratification in contemporary Pakistan. It analyzes the novel's settings and symbolism to uncover commonalities in class structures between Victorian Britain and modern Pakistan. The paper uses a Marxist approach to highlight the impact of colonialism and class divisions.
- Social stratification and stereotypes in Victorian Britain and contemporary Pakistan.
- The impact of colonialism on class divisions.
- Economic inequality and exploitation of the lower class.
- The application of Marxist theory to analyze class struggle.
- Similarities between the experiences of the poor in *Oliver Twist* and in contemporary Pakistan.
Chapter Summaries
Social Stratification and Stereotypes: This section introduces the comparison between social stratification in Dickens' *Oliver Twist* and contemporary Pakistan. It argues that the stereotypes of poverty and vice as inheritable traits, prevalent in Victorian Britain and depicted in the novel, find parallels in modern Pakistani society. The inherent connection between poverty and vice, and the subsequent labeling of the poor as "bad," is highlighted as a significant commonality. The Marxist theoretical framework is introduced as a lens through which to analyze the colonial legacy and its contribution to class divisions.
Economic Connections and Marxist Theory: This section delves into the economic aspects of *Oliver Twist* and its alignment with Marxist theory. The novel's depiction of the miserable economic conditions of the Victorian era post-Industrial Revolution is analyzed, showcasing the irrational capitalist system and the ensuing class conflict. The exploitation of the lower working class by the upper class, mirroring the struggle in Pakistan, is a key theme. The lack of voice for the poor in both contexts and the continuing cycle of exploitation are emphasized, drawing parallels between the Victorian era and modern Pakistan as depicted in Aslam's *Leila in the Wilderness*.
Economic Associations and Class Struggle: This section further explores the economic disparities and class struggle in *Oliver Twist*. It examines the concept of an ever-growing impoverished proletariat and an ever-shrinking wealthy bourgeoisie, as discussed by Joshua Muravchik. The section connects Dickens' portrayal of the flaws in Victorian laws and the utilitarian philosophy, which disregarded the plight of the less fortunate, to the similar neglect experienced by the poor in Pakistan. The ongoing cycle of poverty and the government's failure to address the needs of the poor are discussed as central to the class struggle in both contexts. The story of Leila's plight, trapped in poverty and forced into marriage, serves as an example.
Class Society and Economic Disparity: This section focuses on the concept of class society as prevalent in both Victorian England and contemporary Pakistan. It highlights the fundamental economic disparity between the bourgeoisie and the working class, resulting in a constant struggle between classes. The section utilizes Marx's classification of classes and incorporates Alvin So's critique of class struggle analysis, emphasizing the link between capital accumulation and class relations, including exploitation in production. The enduring nature of this class struggle, based on economic conditions rather than ethical qualities, is highlighted.
Keywords
Social stratification, class struggle, Victorian Britain, contemporary Pakistan, *Oliver Twist*, Marxist theory, economic inequality, colonialism, exploitation, poverty, stereotypes.
Frequently Asked Questions: A Comparative Analysis of Class Systems in Victorian Britain and Contemporary Pakistan
What is the main focus of this academic paper?
This paper compares the class system depicted in Charles Dickens' *Oliver Twist* with social stratification in contemporary Pakistan. It analyzes the novel's settings and symbolism to uncover commonalities in class structures between Victorian Britain and modern Pakistan, using a Marxist approach to highlight the impact of colonialism and class divisions.
What are the key themes explored in the paper?
Key themes include social stratification and stereotypes in both Victorian Britain and contemporary Pakistan; the impact of colonialism on class divisions; economic inequality and exploitation of the lower class; the application of Marxist theory to analyze class struggle; and similarities between the experiences of the poor in *Oliver Twist* and contemporary Pakistan.
What is the methodology used in this analysis?
The paper employs a Marxist theoretical framework to analyze the economic and social structures in both historical and contemporary contexts. It examines the depiction of poverty, exploitation, and class struggle in *Oliver Twist* and compares it to similar dynamics in modern Pakistan, drawing parallels and highlighting differences.
Which literary works are referenced in this study?
The primary literary work analyzed is Charles Dickens' *Oliver Twist*. The study also references Aslam's *Leila in the Wilderness* to provide a contemporary Pakistani perspective on the themes of poverty and exploitation.
How does the paper connect *Oliver Twist* to contemporary Pakistan?
The paper draws parallels between the social and economic conditions depicted in *Oliver Twist*, such as the exploitation of the working class and the prevalence of poverty and stereotypes, and similar conditions in contemporary Pakistan. It argues that the colonial legacy continues to contribute to class divisions and economic inequality in Pakistan.
What are the key aspects of Marxist theory applied in this analysis?
The paper uses Marxist theory to analyze the class struggle, the exploitation of the proletariat by the bourgeoisie, and the impact of economic systems on social stratification. It examines concepts like capital accumulation, class relations, and the inherent contradictions within capitalist systems.
What are the chapter summaries of the paper?
The paper is structured into chapters covering: Social Stratification and Stereotypes (introducing the comparison and Marxist framework); Economic Connections and Marxist Theory (analyzing the economic aspects of *Oliver Twist* through a Marxist lens); Economic Associations and Class Struggle (exploring economic disparities and class conflict); and Class Society and Economic Disparity (focusing on the concept of class society and its enduring nature).
What are the key words associated with this research?
Key words include: Social stratification, class struggle, Victorian Britain, contemporary Pakistan, *Oliver Twist*, Marxist theory, economic inequality, colonialism, exploitation, poverty, stereotypes.
What is the overall argument or conclusion of the paper?
The paper concludes that despite the temporal and geographical differences between Victorian Britain and contemporary Pakistan, significant similarities exist in the structures and consequences of class divisions. It highlights the continuing relevance of Marxist theory in understanding and analyzing these enduring social and economic inequalities.
- Citation du texte
- Uzma Khan (Auteur), 2015, Similar Social Stratification and Stereotypes in "Oliver Twist" by Charles Dickens and Contemporary Pakistan, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/304390
