Social and Political:
* Victorian Era: This era, marked by Queen Victoria's reign, was in its early stages. It was characterized by rapid industrialization, social reform, and a growing middle class.
* Poor Laws: The harsh system of poor relief was still in place, leading to widespread poverty and hardship. This is a major theme in *Oliver Twist*.
* Rise of the Factory System: The Industrial Revolution was booming, creating new factories and jobs but also leading to child labor, dangerous working conditions, and urban overcrowding.
* Chartism: A movement for political reform, demanding universal suffrage, was gaining momentum.
* Irish Famine: This devastating event, beginning in 1845, was a major factor in shaping the social landscape of Britain.
Literature and Culture:
* Romanticism was fading: The Romantic era was giving way to a new realism, emphasizing social issues and the lives of ordinary people, which Dickens championed.
* Growth of popular literature: Newspapers and magazines were becoming increasingly popular, and writers like Dickens helped to shape this trend.
* Theater: London's theater scene was thriving, with Dickens' works often adapted for the stage.
Overall, Dickens' writing reflected the social and political realities of his time. *Oliver Twist* provides a stark depiction of poverty, crime, and the injustices faced by the poor, making it a powerful commentary on the state of Britain in the 1830s.