Lessons from Oliver Twist by Maryn

Lessons from Oliver Twist by Maryn - October 2025 Scholarship Essay

Charles Dickens’ Oliver Twist is far more than a story about an orphan navigating the cruel streets of London—it is a powerful reflection on human character, resilience, and the transformative strength of kindness. Oliver’s journey has taught me so many important lessons that continue to shape the way I see the world and the way I treat the people around me. His story is one of perseverance against overwhelming odds, yet it is also filled with compassion and integrity. These qualities shine through even when he is surrounded by poverty, crime, and cruelty, offering readers valuable insights into how we can live with greater humanity and purpose. The emotions that this story inspired me to feel and the tough moments of self-reflection I faced while reading this moving story still impact me to this day.
One of the first lessons I drew from Oliver Twist is the importance of not judging others based on appearances, background, or circumstances. Oliver was born into hardship, abandoned, and forced to grow up in conditions no child should endure. Yet, despite his circumstances, he never lost his dignity or his gentle nature. From the get-go, you can see his tender heart shining through the dinge of his circumstances. Society at that time often dismissed orphans and the poor as lesser individuals, assuming they were naturally destined for crime or misfortune. Oliver’s character defies that assumption. He reminds me that a person’s worth cannot be measured by where they come from, how they look, or what resources they have. Instead, a person is defined by their inner strength, their choices, and the passion and kindness they carry in their soul. This lesson is as relevant today as it was in Dickens’ time, especially in a world where people are too often judged on first impressions or stereotypes rather than character.
Oliver also teaches the importance of maintaining a positive outlook and refusing to give up, no matter how dire the situation. His life is filled with trial after trial—hunger, abuse, betrayal, hate, and exploitation. Yet, he never surrenders to despair. Instead, Oliver presses forward with the quiet hope that something better lies ahead. This resilience reminds me of the phrase “diamonds are made from coal under pressure.” Hardships and struggles can shape us into stronger, more refined individuals if we face them with courage. Just as Oliver endured his hardships and still found love and belonging, we too can grow through life’s growing pains and challenges. His persistence shows that hope is not naïve—it is a necessary tool for survival and growth.
Equally important are the values of integrity, compassion, and responsibility that shine throughout Oliver’s character and the story as a whole. Even when he was surrounded by corruption, Oliver held firm to his principles. He did not steal when pressured by Fagin’s gang, nor did he lose his innate sense of right and wrong despite being punished for crimes he did not commit. Oliver’s example underscores the idea that our actions matter, not just for ourselves but for those around us. Like a ripple spreading across water, our choices impact the lives of others in ways we might not even realize. Choosing integrity and compassion creates a chain reaction of goodness that can counteract cruelty and injustice. Oliver’s story reminds me that while circumstances may not always be in our control, our actions and how we treat others always are.
Perhaps the greatest theme woven throughout Oliver Twist is resilience paired with hope. Despite all the abuse he endured, Oliver still carried love and compassion within him—even for those who treated him harshly. His forgiveness and tenderness toward others highlight a profound truth: kindness is never wasted, it costs nothing to you, but the world to others. If Oliver could extend such love and empathy in the face of cruelty, then surely, we, in much safer and more supportive environments, can give the same kindness to the people in our lives who deserve it more than the characters Oliver faced. And even when others may not “deserve” it, the story challenges us to remember that kindness costs us nothing. A simple gesture of compassion can mean the world to someone else, especially when they least expect it.
Ultimately, Oliver Twist is not only a tale of survival but also a lesson in humanity. From Oliver, I learned not to judge others by their origins or appearance, to maintain hope even in difficult times, and to hold fast to integrity and compassion in a world that often lacks them. It amazes me that a story from 1838 has such relevant and relatable truths and lessons to teach us even to this day. His story proves that no matter how dark life becomes, resilience and kindness can light the way forward. In this sense, Oliver serves as both a mirror and a guide. He reflects the struggles we all face in different forms, but he also guides us toward a better, more compassionate way of living. Through his perseverance, Oliver reminds me that love and kindness have the power to change not only one person’s fate but also the wider world around them. I will never cease to get goosebumps when I reflect on how many stories this beautiful story has taught me and how it has shaped me to be the resilient, empathetic person I am today.