Dickens’ own knowledge of the legal system in England helped him to write the court scenes more natural. In Bleak House Dickens satires about the legal system in England when describing the Jarndyce and Jarndyce lawsuit.
The similarities between Oliver Twist and Great Expectations are not so many. The novels are no similar as such but there are few common elements. For example, one of the most popular features of many Dickens’ novels is the orphan and cruelty against them. Both Pip and Oliver are orphans and they need to struggle in the world on their own. For Pip it is easier as he was brought up by his sister and her husband. Although, Pip’s life seems to be more tolerable than Oliver’s, also Pip has experienced cruelty. Throughout the novel it is suggested that Pip’s sister has often whipped Pip. One more common feature is the depiction of the legal system of England. In both novels it can be seen that the court is not equitable, but rather gives verdicts depending on the accused appearance or social status. Another similarity can be labelled ‘escape’. In Oliver Twist, Oliver escapes his misery, but in Great Expectations, Pip escapes poverty. Both these escapes are due to the convicts as Fagin helps Oliver not to experience starvation and humiliation but Mr Magwitch becomes the secret benefactor of Pip.
The depiction of the criminal world would not been possible if Dickens had not experienced some of the event himself. His experience helped to create all the events more real. Dickens did not fear of the society’s opinion, he just wanted to write what was important for him and what he thought was important for the society.
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