‘Please Sir, I Want Some More!’
Oliver was elected as the unwilling spokesman for all the hungry children.
1838
Oliver was elected as the unwilling spokesman for all the hungry children.
1838
After he was left orphaned by the death of his mother, little Oliver Twist was ‘cared for’ in a State-run workhouse. The officials who ran it were satisfied that the boys were fed according to Government guidelines, but if so the boys found the guidelines wanting. Eventually they decided they must do something about it — or at any rate, that one of them must do something about it.
A COUNCIL was held; lots were cast who should walk up to the master after supper that evening, and ask for more; and it fell to Oliver Twist.
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 neighbours 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.”
The master was a fat, healthy man; but he turned very pale. He gazed in stupefied astonishment on the small rebel for some seconds, and then clung for support to the copper. The assistants were paralysed with wonder; the boys with fear.
“What!” said the master at length, in a faint voice.
“Please, sir,” replied Oliver, “I want some more.”