Oliver Twist by Charles Dickens

"Oliver Twist" © 2011 Cricket House Books, LLC

"And what an excellent example of the power of dress young Oliver Twist was. Wrapped in the blanket which had hitherto formed his only covering, he might have been the child of a nobleman or a beggar; – it would have been hard for the haughtiest stranger to have fixed his station in society. But now he was enveloped in the old calico robes, that had grown yellow in the same service; he was badged and ticketed, and fell into his place at once – a parish child – the orphan of a workhouse – the humble, half-starved drudge – to be cuffed and buffeted through the world, despised by all, and pitied by none."

Ch. 1, Oliver Twist, Charles Dickens

© 2011 Cricket House Books, LLC

The evening arrived; the boys took their places. The master, in his cook’s uniform, stationed himself at the copper; his pauper assistants ranged themselves behind him; the gruel was served out; and a long grace was said over the short commons. The gruel disappeared; the boys whispered each other, and winked at Oliver; while his next neighbors nudged him. Child as he was, he was desperate with hunger, and reckless with misery. He rose from the table; and advancing to the master, basin and spoon in hand, said: somewhat alarmed at his own temerity: ‘Please, sir, I want some more.’

Ch. 2, Oliver Twist, Charles Dickens

Gulliver's Travels by Jonathan Swift

Copyright © 2011 Cricket House Books, LLC

Hamlet by William Shakespeare

Copyright © 2011 Cricket House Books, LLC