The Adventures of Oliver Twist or the Parish Boy's Progress

Set against the backdrop of Victorian London, the story follows a young orphan named Oliver who escapes a brutal workhouse, only to be drawn into the criminal underbelly of the city. He meets the Artful Dodger, a clever pickpocket, who introduces him to a gang of young thieves under the control of the nefarious Fagin. The narrative explores themes of innocence, crime, and survival in a harsh society, highlighting Oliver's struggle to maintain his moral compass amidst the challenges he faces.