The Role of Law in Child Exploitation in Victorian
Era: A Study of Charles Dickens’ Oliver
Twist and David Copperfield
Dr.
Debajit Deb
Assam University
Silchar,
Assam, India
Abstract: The
Victorian era, beginning in 1750, marked a significant transformation in
British society due to the Industrial Revolution. The growth of cities like
London marked a shift from a land-based lifestyle to a modern economy based on
manufacturing and financial institutions. This period also saw a rise in
poverty, diseases, and social problems, leading to economic depression. One of
the worst social effects was child labor, with children from poor families
forced into work at a young age. This forced them to work for money, a
situation that became a main area of social reform in the nineteenth century. Chapman (1970) in his work had mentioned that “The
Victorian Age was an age of great complexity, change, contradictions, of doubt
and skepticism, of misery and welfare, of extremity in almost every aspect of
life” (p 22). The Victorian era was characterized by the use of children
to help develop the economy, with Charles Dickens being one of the writers who
portrayed the extreme poverty and its effect on children in his works. This
study examines the role of law in children exploitation with special reference
to “Oliver Twist” and “David Copperfield”, highlighting his empathy for the
poor and oppressed, and how his heroes’ experience their own personal struggles.
Keywords: Victorian era, Child labor, Exploitation,
Struggles and Economy
1.0.Introduction
Charles Dickens (1812–1870), a renowned Victorian author,
rose from childhood poverty to become a prolific writer. He used fiction to
criticize Victorian economic, social, and moral abuses. He demonstrated
compassion and empathy towards vulnerable society segments, contributing to
social reforms. Hamadamin and Ahmed (2023) had mentioned that “The novels of
Charles Dickens (1812-1870) are not merely novels to be read rather they are
reflections of an age. They give a faithful picture of a life with all its
varieties and complexities, misery and suffering, ironies and paradoxes,
physical and spiritual loss” (p. 1135). His deep commitment stemmed from traumatic
childhood experiences and a strong social conscience. Charles Dickens' novels
often criticize Victorian society, focusing on the suffering of Victorians,
particularly children, and child labor during this time. His interest in the
social picture of his age stems from his childhood experiences, particularly in
London. Dickens's works, such as “David Copperfield” and “Oliver Twist”, depict
the lives of the poor and the cruelty they endured. David Copperfield is a
story of abuse and neglect, while Oliver Twist is a story of a poor child who
is forced into a workhouse. The novels aim to highlight the plight of the poor
and their exploitation, using exaggerated suffering and sentimentality to
highlight the real needs of the poor. In “David
Copperfield”, Charles Dickens highlights the issue of child labour through
the story of David Copperfield, a young boy who is sent to work in his
stepfather's warehouse, Murdstone and Grinby. The story highlights the
senseless and useless nature of sending young children to work, as it is a
waste of human beings. Dickens's imagination is reflected in Oliver Twist,
where he attacks the effects of the workhouse system and its effects on
children. The novel also explores aspects of Victorian society and culture,
such as prisons, workhouses, schools, money, poverty, fallen women, orphans,
and crowds. Dickens's focus on social problems and personal emotion is evident
in his work, which reflects the growing interest in presenting social problems
rather than analyzing personal emotions. The story also highlights the child
labor of David Copperfield, as his stepfather, Mr. Mudstone, suggests that he
could provide employment to other boys in the wine trade.
1.1 Review
of Literature
On the basis of review of literature of this present topic
following works are noticed by the researcher:
Elsiddig and Abdalla’s
(2021) “The Theme of Suffering in
Charles Dickens’s Literary Works with Reference to His Novel "Oliver
Twist" in their paper they have mentioned that the poor law, imposed by the wealthy, led to the poor
receiving less support from the middle and upper classes, and
disproportionately affecting the poorest by enforcing them into terrible
workhouses.
Carter and
McRae’s (2001) The Penguin Guide to English Literature in their book they claim that Charles
Dickens, a popular novelist and humorist, wrote thirteen novels and short
stories, addressing societal issues. His first series, Sketches, was published
in 1836, showcasing his popular light, humorous writing style that had been
popular for over a century.
Gholami,
& Joodak’s (2014) “A social Study of
Poverty in Charles Dickens’ Hard Times, Bleak House and Oliver Twist” they claim that “Charles
Dickens, a Victorian novelist, is renowned for his realistic portrayal of
suffering, poverty, and the poor during the industrial revolution. His works,
such as Oliver Twist, highlight the struggles of the lower class and the
stately life of the middle class and aristocracy.” Dickens' research on crime and social issues
led him to scrutinize the working class's living conditions and the poor law
system.
Huang’s (2016)
“Charles Dickens’ Critical Realism in David Copperfield.” He has mentioned in
his paper that David Copperfield, a novel by
Dickens, explores the true nature of society through the protagonist David's
grief and joy in union. It exposes the corruption of money on marriage, family,
and society, highlighting the evils of money. The novel also critiques the
social problems of the Queen Victoria era, revealing the hidden beauty of the
curtain society. Studying the critical realism in David Copperfield is crucial
for understanding Dickens's emotional creation.
1.2. Methodology
The study aims to examine the role
of law in child exploitation in the Victorian era through a qualitative
research approach. The methodology involves analyzing key passages from Charles
Dickens' “Oliver Twist” and “David Copperfield”, focusing on legal exploitation,
the functioning of the legal system. Thematic coding will be used to identify
recurring themes such as, child agency, representation of legal figures, social
critique, and narrative function. Historical-legal context will be established
through primary historical research on Victorian-era laws and institutions, as
well as secondary source consultation. Focus will be given to depict the legal
exploitation in “Oliver Twist” and “David Copperfield”. The study aims to
demonstrate that Dickens' novels serve as powerful critiques of the Victorian
legal framework.
1.3. Objective
The study focuses on the role of law
in child exploitation in Victorian England, specifically in Charles Dickens'
Oliver Twist and David Copperfield. The research aims to analyze the legal
framework, its practical application, and Dickens's literary critique of the
period. The study will examine the various forms of child exploitation depicted
in the novels, the disparity between the law's intended intent and its actual application,
and Dickens's critique of the judiciary.
1.4. Significance of the study
The research "The Role of Law
in Child Exploitation in Victorian Era: A study of Charles Dickens’ Oliver
Twist and David Copperfield" explores the complex interplay between
societal structures, legal frameworks, and social injustices against children
in 19th-century England. It provides a critical perspective on the failures of
Victorian Law and institutions, particularly the Poor Law of 1834, which was
criticized in Oliver Twist. The research validates Charles Dickens's role as a
major social reformer, highlighting his literary techniques to denounce
injustice and advocate for child protection.
2.0. Poor
Law and Child Exploitation in David Copperfield & Oliver
Twist
This research
examines how Victorian era legal frameworks and societal structures led to
child abuse through analyzing works like "Oliver Twist" by Charles
Dickens in 1837-39 and "David Copperfield" published between
1849-50. Estiyana (2016) stated that “Child exploitation needs
to study because child exploitation is still often found in any analization.
Many children work in command other and they lost childhood that it takes their
happiness as a child” (p. 2). This research investigates how particular legal
frameworks and governmentally sanctioned entities, especially concerning issues
of poverty and social assistance programs, fostered environments conducive to
child abuse. In literature, Charles Dickens fiercely condemned the ‘New Poor
Law’ enacted in 1834 and its implementation through the forced labor camps
known as workhouses. Legislation aimed at discouraging individuals from
applying for parish assistance through stringent living arrangements in
workhouse institutions designed so closely resembling prison environments to
ensure maximum hardship and punishment as akin to incarceration as feasible. The
provisions for destitute individuals were addressed through the establishment
of workhouses in Victorian England as can be witnessed from Oliver Twist.
Oliver Twist
portrays the workhouse neither as an altruistic refuge nor as a sanctuary free
from exploitation; instead, it is depicted as a site where children suffer
prolonged neglect and abuse under oppressive conditions. Oliver's children suffer
from being underfed, isolated from family members, abused physically, and
exploited in hazardous work conditions. This practice was legitimized by the
legal system as part of its welfare program. The legal framework permitted poor
youth to serve as indentured servants in different crafts. Often used as an
excuse to exploit children through forced work, such as how Oliver ends up
being bought by cruel undertaker Mr. Sowerberry who abuses him even more and its resulting child exploitation, highlighting the abuse of
children like Oliver, who are forced into grueling labor, criminal activities,
and inadequate living conditions in workhouses designed to punish the poor. The looseness
of laws regarding factory conditions was evident even before specific acts like
the 1833 Act came into effect; these initial regulations frequently lacked
enforcement rigor or did not cover every industry involved. Despite financial
constraints for many households, children in lower socioeconomic backgrounds
continued working early on, typically beginning as toddlers rather than adults.
Charles Dickens's novel, David
Copperfield, explores the suffering and exploitation of children in
19th-century Victorian society. David's childhood is marked by abuse and
neglect by his cruel stepparents, the Murdstones, and his mother, Clara
Copperfield. He is sent to London to work in a wine-bottling factory, Murdstone
and Grinby's, where he experiences starvation and humiliation. David also
suffers at Salem House boarding school, where he is mistreated by the
headmaster, Mr. Creakle, and the manipulative clerk, Uriah Heep. David's
experiences serve as a critique of Victorian society, exposing child labor,
private education, and the legal ease with which the powerful could dominate
the weak and vulnerable. His childhood trauma fuels his ambition and gives him
a strong sense of moral justice, particularly for the poor and oppressed. The
novel also highlights the plight of the weak, highlighting the vulnerability of
children in Victorian society. This represents an instance of exploitative
economics and violates children's entitlements to quality schooling and safeguarded
youthhood experiences. The disintegration of childhood purity underscores how
insufficient safeguards against child exploitation allowed minors to be viewed
as immature workers fit only for labor-intensive tasks, thus eroding their
inherent rights towards growth and advancement.
2.1. Final
Discussion
Charles Dickens' novels, Oliver
Twist and David Copperfield, are powerful social critiques that expose the
damaging interplay between 'societal structures', 'legal frameworks', and the
resulting 'social injustices' against children in 19th-century England. These
novels serve as a 'voice for the marginalized', using the life stories of their
young characters to prosecute the systemic brutality and nastiness of the
Victorian era.
In “Oliver Twist”, Dickens
highlights how rigid class structures and pervasive societal indifference
directly contribute to the suffering of children. ‘The Poor Law Amendment Act
of 1834’ and its administrative body, the workhouse, are criticized for their
societal structure, which systematically dehumanizes and exploits children by
denying them adequate food, education, and compassion. The criminal underworld,
a parallel societal structure, thrives by preying on the very children the
legal system and workhouses neglect. Characters like Fagin, the Artful Dodger,
and Nancy demonstrate how poverty and a lack of support or education push
vulnerable children into a life of crime and vice. In “Oliver Twist”,
characters like Mr. Bumble, the beadle, and the members of the parish board
show how cold and self-centered the bureaucracy was when enforcing the Poor
Law. They treated people with cruelty and greed, and their actions reveal how
the legal system failed to show kindness and fairness. David Copperfield, based
on Dickens's childhood experience, critiques the societal acceptance of child
labor and the psychological and physical injuries caused by it. The Powerless
of the Law portrays the legal and local governance apparatus as being
controlled by hypocritical, self-serving, and unfeeling individuals, further
highlighting the injustices faced by children.
In David Copperfield, David's
stepfather, Mr. Murdstone, and his sister treat him with abuse, and this is
allowed by the law. Murdstone's "firmness" is really just a cover for
his harsh and harmful behavior. David has no way to fight back because the law
supports the authority of adults over children, especially in a patriarchal
society. Dickens uses the personal struggles of his characters to show a bigger
picture of society, which helps highlight his desire for change. Collins (1965)
in his book had wrote that “Dickens exposed and satirized the shortcomings of
the Victorian educational system through this school-master and his school
where not only David, but all children were spiritually and physically damaged
by the institution which was supposed to prepare them for life, whereas.
Ironically, it suppressed and destroyed them” (p 123). Both main characters, Oliver and David, have a natural
goodness that helps them stay innocent even through terrible experiences. This
choice is important for the story's message:
Oliver stays good even though he is
surrounded by criminals. David keeps his values despite the hardship in the
warehouse and the cruel treatment from Murdstone. Their ability to stay pure
shows that children are not naturally bad, but they are harmed and broken by
the harsh environment created by society and the legal system that doesn't
care. David Copperfield is partly based on Dickens's own life, which gives
readers a personal and emotional look at being neglected and facing financial
problems. This makes the unfairness feel close and real. Oliver Twist uses a
more symbolic approach, using shocking images like the workhouse and the
gallows (where Bill Sikes dies) to make people angry about the failures of
England's institutions in the 1900s. By telling the stories of these two young
characters, Dickens made his Victorian audience face the moral problems in
their social and legal systems, which helped lead to future reforms.
3.0. Conclusion
Charles Dickens's novels Oliver Twist and David Copperfield
are characterized by their focus on social justice, societal institutions, and
the importance of moral character, kindness, and human connection over wealth
or class. Oliver Twist exposes the harshness of the Victorian Poor Law
Amendment Act of 1834 and the workhouse system, arguing that poverty is a
societal problem rather than a moral failing. The moral message is one of
perseverance and inherent goodness, emphasizing the need for human compassion.
David Copperfield, a Bildungsroman, focuses on personal growth and the
importance of a loving home and affection. The novel critiques cruelty and
exploitation, highlighting the cruelty of the weak and helpless. Characters of
lower class are often morally superior to the wealthy and educated, while
characters like Uriah Heep and Mr. Murdstone use their social positions for
malice and manipulation. Charles Dickens' Oliver Twist and David Copperfield
novels emphasize the importance of examining and reforming society, valuing
true goodness, and fostering hope for redemption in even the darkest
environments. They call for action against injustice, abuse, and bureaucracy,
emphasizing the value of moral integrity and compassion.
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Philip. Dickens and Crime. MacMillan, 1965.
Chapman,
Raymond. The Victorian Debate.
Weidenfield & Nicolson, 1970.
Carter,
R. and McRae, J. The Penguin Guide to English Literature. Penguin Books, 2001.
Estiyana, Aulia. Child
Exploitation Reflected in Charles Dickens’ Oliver Twist Novel (1838): A
Sociological Approach. Unpublished Bechlor Degree Dissertation Submitted to
Department of Enlish. Muhammadiyah University of Surakarta 2016.
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Ali. Mohammed. & Abdalla, Yassin. Abdalla. “The Theme of Suffering in
Charles Dickens’s Literary Works with Reference to His Novel "Oliver
Twist". Research Journal of English Language and Literature (RJELAL).
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Bakhsh, and Joodaki, Hassein Abdul. “A
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