The Poor Law of 1834 had a profound impact on the plot of Oliver Twist for a plethora of reasons. This law required those who were insufficent at being able to provide for themselves to be entered into a workhouse where they would have to work daily for food and housing ("1834 Poor Law"). Although, this law was designed in order to help aid the community, it was considered to be more for the image of the country. This was the case because the government was not really looking for a solution to end homelessness but really just a solution to remove beggars from the street. Additionally, this law was designed to help break the cycle of homelessness but in return it actually trapped many in this lifestyle ("1834 Poor Law").
A great example of these Poor Laws in action is Oliver Twist; his mother was a resident of one of these workhouses when he was born in the 1830's. Shortly after his birth Oliver's mother died and he was sent to an orphanage until the age of nine. Upon his coming of age he returns to the workhouse system again to be trapped in what seems to be an endless cycle of pitiful poverty. Oliver is eventually casted out from the workhouse by others within it, but this goes to show that these workhouses created by the Poor Law of 1834 had a far worse impact on society than they were intened for.
Works Cited
“1834 Poor Law.” The National Archives, The National Archives, 4 August 2020, www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/education/resources/1834-poor-law/#:~:text=…. Accessed 3 February 2021.
*note: image is from the same source