Advances in Language and Literary Studies

ISSN: 2203-4714
www.alls.aiac.org.au

Social Values in Charles Dickens’s Novel “Oliver Twist”

Sylvia Irene Persulessy1*, Emzir2, AcengRahmat2

1
A Doctoral Student of Applied Linguistic, Postgraduate of Universitas Negeri Jakarta, Indonesia
2
Applied Linguistic, Postgraduate of UniversitasNegeri Jakarta, Indonesia
Corresponding Author: Sylvia Irene Persulessy, E‑mail: [email protected]

ARTICLE INFO ABSTRACT

Article history The objective of this research is to acquire deep understanding about social values in the novels
Received: May 27, 2018 Oliver Twist by Charles Dickens. The type of research was qualitative by using content analysis
Accepted: August 29, 2018 method. The data collected through document study and data observation about social values
Published: October 31, 2018 in the novel. The result of this research revealed that social values found and described in the
Volume: 9 Issue: 5 novel Oliver Twist were love values consist of love and affection, dedication, mutual help,
Advance access: August 2018 kinship, concern, and loyalty. Responsible values consist of sense of acceptance and belonging,
obligations and discipline. Harmony of life values consist of justice, tolerance, cooperation, and
democracy. The values were found and described through generic structure of the novel by the
Conflicts of interest: None text quotations. Those results led to implication that Indonesian literature educators can apply
Funding: None Charles Dickens novel Oliver Twist directly in the teaching process and motivate the students to
analyze the novels.

Key words:
Social Values,
Generic Structure Approach,
Novel

INTRODUCTION of the everyday society. The novel presented a much more

In this era of instant technology and information, the practi‑ realistic picture of social life (Faruk, 2016: 45-46). This is
cal attitude of the majority of society resulted in the erosion because the scope of the novel is very possible to describe
of the noble values of the nation’s culture. Violent culture the situation through events that are woven by the author
and social anarchism also exacerbate socio-cultural condi‑ through his characters.
tions of the nation. The values of local wisdom were polite, Learning about social values is very important and be
friendly, respectful, wise, and religious as if they were eroded function as an example to see which is good and bad things.
and reduced by instant and modern lifestyle, which is called It is also a difficult challenge for educators today, to help
as social problems. Therefore, it becomes the researcher’s learners to use their free time by doing activities that are use‑
reason for conducting the research about the social values ful for the development of self-learners to become a superior
relating to literature aspect. resource.
Social problems caused by the lack of recognition of the Learning appreciation novel have an important role in
values of community life occur easily like social gap, social helping the younger generation to develop themselves fur‑
violence, and the lack of tolerance to others (MimarTűrk‑ ther into a subtle personality. In line with that statement, the
kahraman, 2013: 635). One solution to solve the problem researcher encouraged that by studying and appreciating the
is to provide effective literary learning about social values, literature, the learners will be able to achieve good results in
because literature as a means of self-expression can be treat‑ the teaching of language and literature (Sumardi, 2012: 10).
ed as one of the media or means of psychiatric education. Thus, it can be concluded that through the appreciation of
Literature contains ethical and moral values relating to dai‑ literature, the learners will learn the values of good and bad
ly life including human problems. Literature does not only life then they will appreciate the stories in the literary works
speak of itself, but it also deals with God, the universe, and and make the values contained therein as an example and
society. Literature is able to reveal many things from various role model in the life of society.
facts because it has many literary genres that can be used as The focus of the research is analyzing social values in
a source of character formation. Charles Dickens’s novel Oliver Twist through generic struc‑
The novel is a literary work in which many human prob‑ ture approach. From the focus, the researcher formulate
lems are discussed as a description of the deeds or social life the following research question is how the social values in

Published by Australian International Academic Centre PTY.LTD.

Copyright (c) the author(s). This is an open access article under CC BY license (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/)
http://dx.doi.org/10.7575/aiac.alls.v.9n.5p.136
Social Values in Charles Dickens’s Novel “Oliver Twist” 137

Charles Dickens novel reviewed through generic structure of can be said benchmarks, benchmarks, assumptions, and be‑
the novel? Based on the research question, it had be known liefs held by most members in a particular society about the
that the objective of this research was to get deeply mean‑ right, proper, noble and good to be practiced.
ing about the social values in Charles Dickens novel through Jan Luxemburg (1992:24) said that literature presents
generic structure approach. Those results led to implication the image of life itself, largely composed of social reality. In
that Indonesian literature educator can apply Charles Dick‑ this sense life involves interpersonal relationships with peo‑
ens novel Oliver Twist directly in the teaching process and ple, between people, between events that occur within one’s
motivate the students to analyze the novels. mind. Wicaksono (2014:323) said that social values refer to
individual relationships with other individuals in a society.
How one should behave, how they solve problems, and deal
LITERATURE REVIEW
with certain situations are also included in social values. It
This article concerned on the importance of assessing the can be concluded that in a very diverse society the pattern,
social value in the novel is due to the appropriate function self-control is something that is very important to maintain
of literature to stimulate the reader to recognize, inspire, the balance of society. In the same way, social values can
analyze and formulate the values through the character in be interpreted as the basis for society to formulate what is
the novel. So, the values in literary works can be an exam‑ true and important, has its own characteristics, and plays an
ple, motivation and made the personality and behavior of its important role to encourage and direct individuals to act ac‑
readers more refined. cording to the norms that apply.
Novels are best known as fiction. It supported by Eagleton
(1996:2) said that literature includes much factual writing, it
also excludes quite a lot of fiction. Stanton (2007:8) said that Social Values in The Novel
novels can show human experiences. Endraswara (2008:7-8) According to D.A. WilaHuky in Basrowi(2014:81) said
said that quality literary work is a literary work depicting that the characteristics of social values are: (1) Value is a
the soul, the author’s thought, describes the author’s ability community construction that is created through interaction
to organize the story, contains understandable language, to among members of the community, (2) Social value is trans‑
be able to describe the human mind. Bakthin and Pattrick mitted, (3) Values studied, (4) The value of satisfying human
in Hoffman (1988:230)said that novel is a type of fictional beings and taking part in the fulfillment of social needs, (5)
prose that does not have a single plot, characters and settings Values are abstract assumptions in which there is social con‑
like those of a short story, but the novel has complex plots, sensus about the relative prices of objects in society, (6) Val‑
characters, conflicts and character developmentis a fiction. ues tend to relate to one another communally to form patterns
Kalven in Sutarjo (2012:56) said that value is an enduring and value systems in society, (7) Social value helps people
preference for mode of conduct (e.g., honesty) or a state of determine priorities in their lives, (8) Social values almost
existence (e.g., inner peace). Suyitno (1986:3) said that liter‑ always involve emotions, (9) Values can affect the devel‑
ature as a product of life contains social values, philosophy opment of individual personalities in society, (10) Cultural
and religion derived from the revelation or who have for‑ diversity with different forms and functions will produce the
ward a new concept. Literature not talks about personal life different value systems.
values, but also the values of human life in the total sense. According to Zubaedi (2012:13) stated that the shapes of
Social values can be benchmarks and beliefs held by most social values are: (a) Love Value is a genuine feeling present
members in a particular society about what is right, proper, from the heart and contains a desire to give, to love and to
noble, and good to practice. Wicaksono (2014:323) said that be happy. Love values consist of love and affection, dedi‑
social value refers to the relationship of the individual to the cation, mutual help, kinship, concern, and loyalty, (b) Re‑
other individual in a society. How one should behave, how sponsibility Values is one of the traits of our character which
they solve problems and deal with certain situations are also means that a person is able to respond for his actions, is
included in social values. It can be concluded that in a very able to take some duties and to face certain consequences
diverse society, self-control is a very important attitude to of the actions that may occur. Responsible values consist
maintain the balance of society. In line with this, social val‑ of sense of acceptance and belonging, obligations and dis‑
ue can be interpreted as a foundation for the community to cipline. Harmony of life values consist of justice, tolerance,
formulate what is true and important, and plays an important cooperation, and democracy, (c) Life Harmony Values is a
role to encourage and direct individuals to act according to human being as a social creature (homo socialist) because
the norms that apply. it always interacts with other humans in performing daily
Literature and values are two complementary social phe‑ activities of life, in social life there must be norms that are
nomena in their essence as existential. Literature as a prod‑ mutually agreed in order to live in harmony, balanced and
uct of life contains social values, philosophy, religion, and harmonious. Harmony of life values consist of justice, tol‑
so forth both from the revealing and one who have a new erance, cooperation, and democracy. By looking at the sub
concept. Literature enters not only the space and values of values contained in social values above it can be concluded
personal life, but also the values of human life in the total that, social values are very important in social life if applied
sense. In essence, a value serves to direct the consideration properly and correctly, and when associated with the deep‑
or behavior of a person so that the guidelines in community ening of a literary work can be a valuable learning about
life. Human life is patterned on social values. Social values life, especially social life.
138 ALLS 9(5):136-142

The novel Oliver Twist by Charles Dickens draws RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
many parallels to the Victorian Era. Charles Dickens was
Social Values in Charles Dickens Novel “Oliver Twist”
one of the main writers to emerge from the Victorian Era.
Dickens style and understanding of the period allow peo‑ Love value
ple to believe that he is “Victorians king of literature”. In Love and affection
Oliver Twist, young Oliver is an illustration of the harsh‑
ness that is evident during the time. The treatment of ad‑ A feeling of love is an emotion of strong affection and per‑
olescence, child labor, British Laws, and British society sonal interest. Love is a good trait that inherits a kindness,
all are examples of the Victorian Era that Dickens makes a feeling of compassion and affection. Social values of love
reference in Oliver Twist even through the reality to the and affection in the Oliver Twist described when Agnes (Ol‑
time, Oliver is still able to find happiness. In this story, iver’s Mom) risking her life to give birth to her beloved son
Oliver and some of characters proved that even though Oliver. The love value contained in the following quotation
they lived in a chaotic world, there were still connect‑ text:
ing with the goodness, worthiness, and nobility happened The pale face of a young woman was raised feebly from
around them. the pillow; and a faint voice imperfectly articulated the
words, ‘Let me see the child and die.’
Research on the Social Value in the Novel (Dickens, 1992:4)
The text quote above depicts the longing of a mother’s
Rr. Dwi Astuti did research to discusses the social value
heart who wants to see the newborn child as if to embrace
based on Prof. Dr. Notonegoro’s theory with three deepening
him but the pain she feels makes her unable to, so she only
of material value, vital value and spiritual value in the novel
wants to see her child one last time before she dies.
Gadis Pantai by Pramoedya Ananta Toer. The conclusions
‘There is no pursuit more worthy of me, more worthy of
of these three forms of social value have a very close rela‑
the highest nature that exists, than the struggle to win such
tionship with the background of the coastal community life
a heart as yours,’ said the young man, taking her hand.
at that time. The social class gap at that time has been seen
‘Rose, my own dear Rose! For years – for years – I have
and greatly detrimental to the lower classes because they are
loved you; hoping to win my way to fame, and then come
always be oppressed by the upper classes.
proudly home and tell you it had been pursued only for
Wahyu Saputra did research about types and functions
you to share; thinking, in my day-dreams, how I would re‑
of social value which reflection from novel Bukan Pasar
Malam by Pramoedya Ananta Toer. The conclusions are mind you, in that happy moment, of the many silent tokens
helping, love, understanding, care, togetherness, and also I had given of a boy’s attachment; (Dickens, 1992:228)
the functions of moral value as level of social, motiva‑ The above quotation describes the value of love from a
tion, guideline, and monitoring social person reflected in man named Harry Maylie. Harry has loved Rose Maylie his
the novel. adopted sister for a long time but Rose always rejects him
Joan ST. Germain did research speaks of good and bad because she embarrassed of her bad past. Harry tried to con‑
behavior in Charles Dickens’s novel Oliver Twist. Joan con‑ vince her but still failed.
nects bad behavior with the background of time that Dickens
always uses: darkness, night and death. According to him Devotion
it is related to human behavior that tends to be in darkness.
The devotion in Oliver Twist was shown by Oliver when
While starlight, the morning and the sun is the embodiment
of the positive cycle. Rose was in severe pain. Oliver was asked by Mrs. Maylie
Vladimir Trendafilov did research discusses the aesthet‑ to deliver a letter to the city market that was six in half miles
ics in the narrative of several novels by Charles Dickens away.
containing social values, be they economic, moral, com‑ Swiftly he ran across the fields, and down the little lanes
munication or more precisely to have moral messages of which sometimes divided them, now almost hidden by
good and evil, it further deepens the power of narration or the high corn on either side, and now emerging in an
storyline. open field, where the mowers and haymakers were busy
at their work; nor did he stop once, save now and the for
a few seconds, to recover breath until he came, in a great
METHODOLOGY heat, and covered with dust, on the little market-place of
This research used qualitative approach with content analy‑ the market town. (Dickens, 1992:212)
sis method. Besides, the generic structure approach chose to From the above quotation it can be concluded that Oliver
analyze about the social values. The data were then collect‑ is very dedicated to the Maylie family, as he ran the distanc‑
ed through literature review, observing things related to so‑ es, without complaining in order to deliver the letter on time.
cial values in novels. Therefore, there are two kinds of data, The value of devotion can also be seen when Nancy re‑
namely primary and secondary data. The novel Oliver Twist fuses Mr. Brownlow’s offer to hand Fagin and Bill Sikes to
is used as primary data sources. Whereas, the secondary data arrest. It can be seen in the following quotation:
consist of biography of the author and articles related to ‘For one reason,’ rejoined the girl firmly--- ‘for one rea‑
Charles Dickens’s novel Oliver Twist. son, that the lady knows and will stand by me in. I know
Social Values in Charles Dickens’s Novel “Oliver Twist” 139

she will, for I have her promise; and for this other rea‑ The value is also seen when Rose gives mental en‑
son, besides, that, bad life as he has led, I have led a bad couragement to Oliver, when he reminds his best friend
life too. There are many of us who have kept the same Dick when they through the rough days in the workhouse.
courses together, and I’ll not turn upon them, who might Oliver feels so sad and hopes that he will meet Dick again
– any of them – have turned upon me, but didn’t, bad as someday and share the happiness that he feels at that mo‑
they are.’ (Dickens, 1992:304-305) ment.
From the quotation above it can be concluded that, Nancy ‘You will see him soon,’ replied Rose, gently taking his
is very devoted to her friends. Despite the nightmare they folded hands between her own. ‘You shall tell him how
put her through since she was twelve-year old, but it will not happy you are, and how rich you have grown, and that in
change her decision to abandon them. all your happiness you have none so great as the coming
back to make him happy too.’
(Dickens, 1992:340)
Mutual help
The value of mutual help in the novel Oliver Twist is illus‑
trated when Oliver is helped by Mr. Brownlow after the trial Concern
of the burglar case. It can be seen in the following quotation: The concern value in Oliver Twist is described in the follow‑
Little Oliver Twist lay on his back on the pavement, ing quotation:
with his shirt unbuttoned, and his temples bathed with There was fresh groundsel, too, for Miss Maylie’s birds,
water; his face a deadly white, and a cold tremble con‑ with which Oliver, who had been studying the subject
vulsing his whole frame. under the able tuition of the village clerk, would dec‑
‘Poor boy, poor boy!’ said Mr. Brownlow, bending over orate the cages in the most approved taste. When the
him. birds were made all spruce and smart for the day, there
‘Call a coach, somebody, pray, directly.’ was usually some little commission of charity to exe‑
A coach was obtained, and Oliver, having been carefully cute in the village; or, failing that, there was rare crick‑
laid on one seat, the old gentleman got in and sat himself et-playing sometimes on the green; or, failing that, there
on the other. (Dickens, 1992:69) was always something to do in the garden, or about the
From the quotation above it can be concluded that, de‑ plants. (Dickens, 1992:208-209)
spite being a victim of robbery, Mr. Brownlow has a great From the quotation above it can concluded that, Oliver’s
heart and wants to help Oliver, who he previously thought behavior is the realization of the value of the environment
was a pickpocket. around him. Besides that Oliver’s concern for the animals is
The testimony of the bookstore owner frees Oliver from also to please Rose Maylie who is the owner of the environ‑
the punishment of 3 years in prison for allegedly stealing. ment. Rose feels so happy and gives compliments to Oliver
‘This,’ said the man: ‘I saw three boys – two others and the because Oliver is a diligent boy and is always willing to try
prisoner here – loitering on the opposite side of the way, to become a better person.
when this gentleman was reading. The robbery was com‑ Rose also showed great concern towards Nancy. She
mitted by another boy. I saw it done; and I saw this boy wants Nancy to get away from her bad past and change her
was perfectly amazed and stupefied by it.’ Having by this life for the better. The way Rose pleased her is a manifesta‑
time recovered a little breath, the worthy book-stall keeper tion of carrying values between each other beings.
proceeded to relate, in a more coherent manner, the exact ‘Do not turn a deaf ear to the entreaties of one of your
circumstances of the robbery. (Dickens, 1992:68) own sex; the first – the first, I do believe, whoever
This value is an example to the reader of our obligation appealed to you in the voice of pity and compassion.
to help others, the need to tell the truth, and be empathetic to Do hear my words, and let me save you yet for better
love our fellow human beings. things.’ (Dickens, 1992:265)

Kinship Loyalty
The familial values in Oliver Twist are illustrated in the fol‑ The loyalty value in the Oliver Twist is illustrated in the fol‑
lowing text. lowing quotation:
The young lady would sit down to the piano, and play ‘It is because I was your father’s oldest friend, young
some pleasant air, or sing, in a low and gentle voice, man,’ returned Mr. Brownlow;‘It is because the hopes
some old song which it pleased her aunt to hear. There and wishes of young and happy years were bound up
would be no candles lighted at such times as these; and with him and that fair creature of his blood and kin‑
Oliver would sit by one of the windows, listening to the dred who rejoined her God in youth, and left me here a
sweet music, in a perfect rapture.(Dickens, 1992:208) solitary, lonely man; it is because he knelt with me be‑
The value is very much reflected in the family atmo‑ side his only sister’s death-bed when he was yet a boy,
sphere created in the Maylie family’s home. There is no visi‑ (Dickens, 1992:323)
ble social class distinction between the richer and the poorer The friendship between Mr. Brownlow and Monk’s fa‑
in the treatment between Oliver and his employer. They are ther Mr. Leeford is a sincere friendship. They go through
happy together with lots of love and sharing. hard times and happy times together as a form of the loyalty
140 ALLS 9(5):136-142

of friendship and fraternity. The power of friendships make some shady place, and listen whilst the young lady
Mr. Brownlow wants to change Monk’s attitude so he can read, which he could have done until it grew too dark
have a better life. This value is a positive value that is essen‑ to see the letters. Then he had his own lessons for the
tial and can be an example for the readers to apply to their next day to prepare, and at this he would work hard, in
own life. a little room which looked into the garden. (Dickens,
1992:208)
Oliver disciplined himself by abiding to a daily sched‑
Responsibility values
ule. In addition to being responsible for accompanying Mrs.
Sense of accepting and belonging Maylie and Rose on a walk, Oliver also has a separate time
to develop by learning and reading. In order for all things
This value in Oliver Twist is illustrated in the following quo‑ to go smoothly, Oliver strives to complete these tasks well
tation: so it can be argued that, what Oliver is doing is a form of
Every morning he went to a white-headed old gentle‑ disciplinary value.
man who lived near the little church, who taught him to The situation when Monks met with Oliver and Rose to
read better, and to write; and spoke so kindly, and took tell all the real stories that had happened. The statements
such pains, that Oliver could never try enough to please made by Monks must be accounted for and Mr. Brownlow
him. (Dickens, 1992:208) strongly emphasizes this. Mr. Brownlow’s actions are a man‑
From the above quotation we can conclude that, the value ifestation of the value of self-discipline.
sense of accepting and belonging is described when Oliver This is painful task,’ said he, ‘but these declarations,
learns read and writing. The happiness that he accepted from which have been signed in London before many gen‑
the Maylie’s family gives Oliver the chance to change him‑ tlemen, must be in substance repeated here. I would
self for the better. have spared you the degradation, but we must hear them
from your own lips before we part, and you know why.’
Obligations (Dickens, 1992:208)
Thus, the value of discipline is closely related to the val‑
This value in Oliver Twist is illustrated in the following quo‑
ue of responsibility. The value of discipline in literature is
tations: one of the moral messages intended for the reader, that if we
‘Hush!’ said Mrs. Maylie, laying her hand on Oliver’s discipline ourselves first, then all the things we do or plan
head. ‘You think like a child, poor boy! But you teach will run well.
me my duty, notwithstanding. I had forgotten it for a
moment, Oliver; but I hope I may be pardoned, for I am
old, and have seen enough of illness and death to know Harmony of life values
the agony of separation from the objects of our love.’ Justice
(Dickens, 1992:211)
From the above quotation text it can be concluded that The Value of Justice in Oliver Twist is included in the fol‑
Oliver has unknowingly prompts Mrs. Maylie to realize the lowing quotation:
meaning of responsibility and the need to be strong to sur‑ ‘And left you and your mother each an annuity of eight
vive a tough life. Thus, the value of obligations and respon‑ hundred pounds. The bulk of his property he divided
sibilities are related to each other. into two equal portions – one for Agnes Fleming, and
He was still more astonished to find that this firmness the other for their child, if it should be born alive and
lasted, and that, under all the care and watching which ever come of age. (Dickens, 1992:342)
ensued, Mrs.Maylie was ever ready and collected, per‑ The above quote illustrates that prior to his death Mr.
forming all the duties which devolved upon her steadi‑ Leeford had prepared a will containing the division of his
ly, and, and to all external appearance, even cheerfully. prophets to his family. In the letter, not only Monks and his‑
But he was young, and did not know what strong minds mother got the inheritance, but also listed the name of Agnes
are capable of under trying circumstances. (Dickens, Fleming, Oliver’s mother, and the baby of their relation‑
1992:211) ship - Oliver.Thus it can be concluded that Mr. Leeford exer‑
From the above quotation it can be concluded that the cised justice by dividing his prophets between all his family,
value of duty can be applied by Mrs.Maylie in her serving as well as his beloved Agnes and the baby which is the result
at Rose, although with a very sad heart and unable to see the of their love affair.
suffering of Rose, Mrs. Maylie still carries out her obliga‑ By the provisions of his father’s will, Oliver would have
tions as a mother to her son. been entitled to the whole; but Mr. Brownlow, unwill‑
ing to deprive the elder son of the opportunity of re‑
trieving his former vices, and pursuing an honest career,
Discipline proposed this mode of distribution, to which his young
This value in Oliver Twist is illustrated in the following quo‑ charge joyfully acceded. (Dickens, 1992:357)
tation: From the above quotation clearly shows the value of jus‑
Then he would walk with Mrs.Maylie and Rose, and tice made by Mr. Brownlow. The inheritance of their fathers
hear them talk of books; or perhaps sit near them in is equally divided between Oliver and Monks Mr. Brownlow
Social Values in Charles Dickens’s Novel “Oliver Twist” 141

hope that Monks may change for the better, and live side by Mr. Brownlow wants to work with the government by
side with his half-brother Oliver in happiness and harmony; adding to the prize money a total of one hundred and fifty
this is the embodiment of the value of harmony in life. pounds.Thus it can be concluded that Mr. Brownlow’s ac‑
tions are a manifestation of the value of cooperation, cooper‑
ation to assist the government in combating crime in order to
Tolerance
make life more secure and peaceful.
The tolerance values in the Oliver Twist novel are contained
in the following quotation text:
The poor people were so neat and clean, and knelt so Democracy
reverently in prayer, that it seemed a pleasure, not a te‑ The value of democracy in Oliver Twist’s novel is contained
dious duty, their assembling there together; and through in the following quotation:
the singing might be rude, it was real, and sounded more We refuse to sanction these indentures,’ said the old
musical (to Oliver’s ears at least) than any he had ever gentleman, tossing aside the piece of parchment as he
heard in church before. (Dickens, 1992:208) spoke.
From the above quotation it is clear that the social life at ‘I hope,’ stammered Mr.Limbkins – ‘I hope the magis‑
theMaylie family environment meant that, they blend togeth‑ trates will not form the opinion that the authorities have
er with the workers in the house of worship, they allied and been guilty of any improper conduct, on the unsupport‑
sang also prayed. At times like this there is no difference be‑ ed testimony of a mere child.’
tween the rich and the poor, the upper and lower classes, their ‘The magistrates are not called upon to pronounce any
purpose is to worship and seek joy.Thus it can be concluded opinion on the matter,’ said the second old gentleman
that, the higher the value of tolerance among humankind, the sharply.
more secure the happiness and prosperity of a country. ‘Take the boy back to the workhouse, and treat him
‘No,’ said the old lady, with a trembling lip. ‘My days kindly. He seems to want it.’ (Dickens, 1992:21-22)
are drawing to their close; and may mercy be shown to The above quotation describes the situation where it is
me as I show it to others! What can I do to save him, decided that Oliver will be an apprentice to one of Gam‑
sir?’ (Dickens, 1992:189) field’s smoke carriage houses. After a long process of delib‑
The quote above is from Rose, Mrs. Maylie and Doctor eration, the judges decided to cancel it because Oliver finally
Losberne. Rose asks Mrs. Maylie not to hand Oliver to the spoke frankly and asked not to be sent there.
police because Rose believes Oliver is innocent. Mrs. May‑ Thus it can be concluded that, the decision the judge
lie granted Rose’s wish because she loved Rose so much and board has made is a demonstration of democratic valuesto
wanted to make her happy even though they were still aware not just hear one-sided only. In the end the value of democra‑
of Oliver’s situation. The form of tolerance that is shown cy Oliver was saved from the apprenticeship that endangered
by MrsMaylie’s attitude by forgiving Oliver and accepting his life.
it and treating it is a reflection of the values of responsibility All that I could hope to do, and even more. Coupling
as human beings who have noble character and have a high the poor girl’s intelligence with my previous knowl‑
social spirit. edge, and the result of our good friend’s inquiries on
the spot, I left him no loophole of escape, and laid bare
the whole villainy which by these lights became plain
Cooperation
as day. Write and appoint the evening after tomorrow, at
The value of cooperation in Oliver Twist is contained in the seven, for the meeting. (Dickens, 1992:328)
following quotation: The above quote describes Mr. Brownlow’s decision to
‘It was the partial disclosure of your secrets,’ replied Mr gather all the witnesses to meet directly with Monks, Oliver
Brownlow. and Rose. The goal is to uncover all the secrets that have
‘Will you disclose the whole?’ been concealed, as well as reveal all the crimes planned by
‘Yes, I will’ Monks.Thus from this quotation it be concluded that there is
‘Set your hand a statement of truth and facts, and repeat an effort from Mr. Brownlow to act on a democratic value
it before witnesses?’ to uphold truth and justice in a problem that is the source of
‘That I promise, too.’ (Dickens, 1992:327) conflict.
The statement letter is a manifestation of the value of
cooperation, in which Mr. Brownlow asked Monks to work
with him to reveal the great secrets that have been kept hid‑ CONCLUSION
den that the secrets be immediately disclosed so that every‑ Social values in terms of the value of love, the value of
thing becomes clear. responsibility and the value of harmony in the life of Ol-
‘I have spoken to the men who are charged with his cap‑ iver Twist by Charles Dickens are clearly visible in the
ture, and they tell me he can never escape. A reward of a contents of the novel. The description of the social val‑
hundred pounds is proclaimed by Government tonight.’ ues in the story illustrates the value of community life is
‘I will give fifty more,’ said Mr. Brownlow, ‘and pro‑ about the relationship between human and daily life. The
claim it with my own lips upon the spot, if I can reach it. value of social values can be adopted by certain societies
Where is Mr.Maylie?’ (Dickens, 1992:328) about what is true, worthy, sublime, and good to prac‑
142 ALLS 9(5):136-142

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affection, the value of service, the value of helping, the (London: Duke University, 1988), h. 230.
values of kinship, the value of caring, the value of loyal‑ Mimar Turkkahraman. Social Values and Value Educa-
ty, the value on a sense of acceptance and belonging, the tion”, 2013. The Authors Elsevier Ltd, vol. 270 (01),
value of obligation, the value of discipline, the value of 630-638.
justice, the value of tolerance, the value of cooperation Robert Stanton, Sugihastuti and Rossi Abi Al Irsyad, Teori Fik-
and the value of democracy. The overall values are com‑ si Robert Stanton. Yogyakarta: PustakaPelajar, 2007.
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Charles Dickens. Data, 1986)
Sumardi, Panduan Apresiasi Cerpen untuk Siswa dan Maha-
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