The Artful Dodger chronicles the story of Jack Dawkins, a surgeon in Australia with a controversial past. Fagin knows about Jack’s history and emerges out of the blue to pull the latter down by his leg into a life of crime and theft. Eventually, Jack gives in and embraces his old identity. For the viewers who are curious to know whether The Artful Dodger is based on a true story, or depicts any real events and facts, here’s a detailed account of the same.
Is The Artful Dodger based on a true story?
No, The Artful Dodger is a fictional story that happens to include a few characters from Charles Dickens’ novel, ‘Oliver Twist.’ The show is like an extension or continuation of their story after the novel’s ending. A few decades later, the characters reunite and embark on a quest together.
Even though the novel is fictional, it represents the social issues of Charles Dickens’ era. It does include a lot of historical factors as well and shows us a realistic picture of the events through the lens of fictional characters.
The Artful Dodger’s real events and facts explained
Charles Dickens witnessed the firsthand accounts of the social injustice that was prevalent during 19th-century England. The Artful Dodger’scharacter particularly showcases the exploitation of children for labor during this period. Fagin is the one who manipulates children to partake in crime, which reflects the inadequate social policies that existed in old England. Dawkins moving to Australia is due to juvenile offenders being sent to far-off continents to repent for their actions.
Capitalism was on the rise in the 19th century, and new professions were emerging which created novel economic classes. Dawkins being a surgeon, which is considered a highly respected profession, also highlights the alterations in the economy. Moreover, it depicts how medical facilities were evolving during this period and there were breakthroughs in the field. Besides, Dawkins being present in Australia shows the European and colonial expansion that occurred throughout the world.
The real people behind The Artful Dodger’s characters
There are no specific individuals whom Charles Dickens was inspired by while writing the characters for ‘Oliver Twist.’ However, he was inclusive of the societal conditions and the struggles of the unprivileged in Victorian London. It was these people from lower socio-economic backgrounds who became the voice of the colorful personalities in his novel.
Is Jack Dawkins a real person?
Jack Dawkins is an imagined character, who is also known as the Artful Dodger due to his charismatic pickpocket abilities. He plays the trope of the street-smart genius and the morally gray person.
Is Fagins a real person?
Fagins is the antagonist of the story, and although fictional, he represents the charlatans and cunning people of the bygone era who exploited children. He profits off of the criminal activities of juveniles and even goes as far as to influence them into participating in petty theft.
