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The Newgate Novel and the Moral Argument

The Newgate Novel and the Moral Argument. By Keith Hollingsworth. Oliver Twist. By Charles Dickens. Gave Dickens the reputation of a Newgate novelist Text of Oliver first appeared in Bentley’s Miscellany, in which Dickens was editor. Judges and Criminals. Two kinds of criminals.

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The Newgate Novel and the Moral Argument

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  1. The Newgate Novel and the Moral Argument By Keith Hollingsworth

  2. Oliver Twist By Charles Dickens • Gave Dickens the reputation of a Newgate novelist • Text of Oliver first appeared in Bentley’s Miscellany, in which Dickens was editor

  3. Judges and Criminals Two kinds of criminals • Novice • Professional Both treated the same by judges

  4. *Most successful and elusive London “pawn broker” *Transported to Australia *Never convicted Isaac “Ikey” Solomon

  5. Personal Relationships $ Formed part of the background of “Newgate Novel Controversy” $ The Trio # Dickens # Ainsworth # Bulwer # Forster

  6. Characters • Use language of social class they are placed in • Use little underworld slang (Dicken’s was not up on the “ghetto verbage” of the day) Language

  7. Nancy ~ never actually called a prostitute in Oliver Twist, but her character is still sympathetic ~ occupation is suggested by her protestations of guilt Dickens lived in a society that was “drenched with sex”

  8. Rose Maylie # Fictional parallel of Mary Hogart (just as Nancy) # Struck down with a sudden disease, but recovers Nancy # Pertinent Sinner # She dies in place of Rose *Contact with Oliver and Rose made her pure in heart

  9. Newgate Novel # A novel that deals with murder and crime of violence; often associated with “the underworld” # Dickens was furious that Oliver Twist was labeled in this category http://www.litencyc.com/php/stopics.php?rec=true&UID=772 For more background information on the Newgate Novels visit:

  10. “Oliver Twist was the more Newgate Novel because of the author’s fascination with crimes of violence.” ~ K.H. Nancy MURDER IS NOT NECESSARY ~ Dickens wrote towards the murder ~ Sikes is the only person likely to be the culprit * Sikes is evil-tempered but not murderous

  11. Edmund Wilson *Origin of the psychic trauma is because of childhood Dickens obsession with murders is present until he dies Edward Johnson • Dickens was “sentencing himself to death” by including the murder of Nancy • Oliver Twist was his most exciting dramatic reading • Encouraged to leave out the murder of Nancy

  12. Newgate Novelist % Wanted to be separated from Newgate genre % Did not criticize Ainsworth for his Newgate writing Dickens did not express his public disdain for over 2 years!

  13. Retaliation ~ Responded to accusations in Preface *Oliver was more than “simple entertainment” *In the novel, Oliver is a symbol of GOOD! *Often called those who disagree with him “Jolter-heads” Jolter-head

  14. IMPORTANT INFORMATION & Oliver Twist gave Dickens the Newgate Novelist title & Personal relationships were part of the controversy & Rose and Nancy represent aspects of Mary Hogarth & The murder of Nancy is not needed in the story & Dickens “sentenced himself to death” because of it & Dickens did not criticize other Newgate Novelists & Enjoyed calling opposing critics “Jolter-heads”

  15. NEWGATE PRISON ~Where the genre originated Basic definition: ~ Novel that centers around murder and violent crimes

  16. Ryan Allen, Amanda Watkins, Seara Everhart, Chadwick (forget last name?) Hollingsworth, Keith. “The Newgate and Novel and the Moral Argument.” Oliver Twist. By Charles Dickens. Ed. Fred Kaplan. New York: Norton, 1993. 469-477

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