A Comparison of Great Expectations and Oliver TwistGreat Expectations and Oliver Twist are representative of the works produced by Charles Dickens during his lifetime. These novels have many similarities, perhaps because they both reflect painful experiences that occurred in Dickens's past. During his childhood, Charles Dickens suffered much abuse from his parents.1 This abuse is often expressed in his novels. Pip, in Great Expectations, often talks about the abuse he received from his sister, Mrs. Joe Gargery. On one occasion he observed: "I soon found myself receiving heavy blows from behind on the back of my neck and lower back, and having my face pushed ignominiously against the wall, because I had not answered those questions at length enough."2While was in the orphanage, Oliver from Oliver Twist also suffered a lot of abuse. For example, while suffering from hunger and malnutrition for a long period of time, one evening Oliver was singled out by the other boys in the orphanage to request more food for dinner. After making this simple request, "the master (at the orphanage) hit Oliver on the head with the ladle; pinned him in his arms; and shouted aloud for the janitor."3 The beginning of the story of Oliver Twist is was created from memories of Charles Dickens' childhood in a blackening factory (which was overshadowed by Marshalsea Prison).4 While working in the blackening factory, Dickens suffered tremendous humiliation. This humiliation is largely expressed through Oliver's adventures at the orphanage before being sent away. Throughout his life, Dickens seemed to have acquired a passion for "the squalid, the sordid and the austere".5 Most of Oliver Twist, for example, is set in the worst slums of London.6 The city is described as a labyrinth that holds a "mystery of darkness, anonymity and danger."7 Many of the settings, as well as the pickpockets' hideout, surrounding streets and bars are described as dark, gloomy and bland.8 Meanwhile, in Great Expectations, Miss Havisham's house is often made to seem depressing, old and lonely. Many of the items inside the house had not been touched or moved for many years. Cobwebs and a lot of dust were clearly visible, and even the wedding dress that Miss Havisham constantly wore had yellowed with age.9 However, the similarities are not only found in the setting.