Abstract: This paper is to do research on child labor, one of the main themes in Oliver Twist from the perspective of New Historicism which challenges the boundary between literature and history, and breaks the traditional binary mode between the two. This paper draws the conclusion that the novel reveals the severity of child labor through fragmentary sufferings which the official history works so hard to conceal. In this way, this paper hopes to show the social role that literature plays in the development of history.

Key words: child labor; Oliver Twist; the textuality of history; the historicity of texts

Contents

Abstract

摘要

1. Introduction-1

2. Literature Review-3

2.1 New Historicism-3

2.2 Previous Studies on Oliver Twist-4

3. Relevant Factors of Child Labor In the 19th Century Britain-7

3.1 The Industrial Revolution-7

3.2 Supply and Demand-7

3.3 Related Law Acts-8

4. The Textuality of History In Oliver Twist-9

4.1 Child Labors’ Sufferings and Abuses-10

4.2 Child Labors’ Social Status-14

5. The Historicity of Texts In Oliver Twist-16

5.1 Child Labors’ Life Conditions-17

5.2 Child Labors’ working conditions-20

6. Conclusion-23

References-24