The Newgate Novel and the Moral Argumentby Keith Hollingsworth

Fritz Below,Michelle Cavinee, Mark Caudill,

Andrew Parkhurst

Andrea Anderson,

Introduction

Written during 1837-1840 Keith Hollingsworth argues

the belief that Dickens is a “Newgate” novelist because of his attention to crime and criminals in his novel Oliver Twist.

Topics of Discussion

What is Newgate and a Newgate novel. Dickens use of contemporary issues in

Oliver Twist. The realism of Oliver Twist an it’s

characters. What is the moral argument?

What is Newgate & What is a Newgate Novel?

Newgate was a prison in London, England.

Was built in 1188 and rebuilt in 1770. Damaged in 1780. Rebuilt again in 1782. Finally, demolished in 1903.

Newgate (a.k.a. “crime”) novels are based on crimes and criminals .

Dickens used Oliver Twist to discuss contemporary issues

The character Fagin is lightly based on a real criminal named Ikey Solomon.

Solomon had a major business in the trading of stolen goods.

He was never convicted of these crimes because there was never enough proof to bring him to justice.

In the end of the novel, Fagin is punished for his crimes.

Dickens used Oliver Twist to discuss contemporary issues

Dickens was a reporter for the Mirror of Parliament in the House of Commons and well-rehearsed in the processes of legislation.

In 1837, the Parliament was mulling over arguments with regards to the death penalty.

Dickens uses comments by Fagin to possibly reveal his own stance on capital punishment

Dickens used Oliver Twist to discuss contemporary issues

Dickens had a close friendship with Ainsworth & Forster, frequently dining together and referred to themselves as “The Trio.”

Dickens’ and Ainsworths’ friendship fell apart when Charles suspected that Ainsworth misrepresented Forster’s part in negotiations over Bentley’s Miscellany.

Hollingsworth seems to believe that Bill Sikes from Oliver Twist has “a small residue of the association of Ainsworth.”

Realism of Oliver Twist

Nancy’s death was graphic in nature represented the death of his

beloved sister-in-law, Mary Hogarth

Language/Slang Dickens used a form of

“thieves language” though he was not familiar with it

Non-Realism of Oliver Twist Cleaned up story

never used the word “prostitute” in regards to Nancy; dances around that subject

cut down on the sexual aspect of London at that time

Oliver behavior too good; represents the “principle of Good” Hollingsworth describes him as a “little

gentleman”

Non-Realism of Oliver Twist The coincidence level of Oliver Twist

Just as Fagin and the gang begin looking for Oliver, Nancy runs into Oliver in the streets of London by chance

What is the Moral Argument? Dickens removes himself from the “merely

entertaining Newgate writers” Dickens took the approach that good things

can come from presupposed “bad people” R.H. Horne defends Dickens as a moralist. Dickens did not want to be found as

entertainment or associated with Newgate novels, but rather reform in society.

Hollingsworth, Keith. “The Newgate Novel and the Moral Argument.” Oliver Twist. Ed. Fred Kaplan. New York: W.W. Norton & Company, 1993. 469-477

The End

Any Questions?