Please, sir, I want some more - Oliver Twist's diet.

The New Poor Law angered Charles Dickens and probably influenced his description of Oliver Twist's workhouse gruel. But historical evidence does not back up some of the claims made in his 1838 novel. So did Oliver really need more? And what do today's children think of his diet?

• Category

  Science & Technology

[flash51050]

I thank god that i live in modern times and the workhouse is no more bless 2009 . feed the world and make sure that kids get feed good food for all god bless you all

[Juan Jose Morales]

Trying to live on gruel: GOOD LUCK!

[Loren Wendelburg]

oh sorry didn't mean to sound rude

[ryan332007]

I'm neither ignorant or stupid enough to have a religion

[Loren Wendelburg]

and why is that? no one chritczises your religion

[dawngoth20]

thank you; I know I will.

[Leo Li]

Well, I do believe that there was a book which recommended somewhat good diets to workhouses. But... Who would prevent people running them to take some off here and there to make their diet more favorable? I believe more to Dickens. Think about all the 'philosophers' in power.

[ryan332007]

Get fucked

[thomasbanacek]

What? You mean an author might have exaggerated a bit? Say it isn't so!

[tsanlc]

Please... I believe Charles Dicken's diet of gruel at the workhouse is true. If u r deprive of solid food or any food, u would even swallow salt spoon by spoon. Cause my dad fed his sister (my aunt who is still alive) with salt during world war II. They were children and no dinner, she was crying, to shut her up (noise will attract the Jap) he just put a pot of salt infront of her and she dug in. He quickly stop her after a few spoonful. You would eat bark of tree if you're hungry.

[Chloe Thacker]

Same! xD