Which of the following novels, published in the early 19th century, exemplifies the 'Newgate novel' genre, focusing on the lives and exploits of criminals?

AWaverley

BOliver Twist

CThe Vicar of Wakefield

DThe Castle of Indolence

Answer:

The Newgate novel is a literary genre that emerged in the early 19th century.
These novels typically focused on the lives, crimes, and often the eventual downfall or redemption of criminals, particularly those associated with Newgate Prison in London.
Newgate Prison was a notorious prison, functioning from the medieval period until its closure in 1902.
The genre often romanticized or sensationalized criminal life, attracting a wide readership interested in the darker aspects of society.

'Oliver Twist', first published in serial form between 1837 and 1839, is a seminal work often categorized as a Newgate novel.
It vividly portrays the harsh realities of poverty, crime, and the criminal underworld of London.
The novel features iconic characters such as Oliver Twist, the Artful Dodger, Fagin, and Bill Sikes, all deeply embedded in the criminal milieu.
Dickens uses the story to critique social injustices, the Poor Laws, and the treatment of orphans and the impoverished in Victorian England.
While 'Oliver Twist' aligns with the Newgate novel's subject matter, Dickens elevated the genre by infusing it with strong social commentary and complex character development, moving beyond mere sensationalism.
Other notable authors associated with this genre include Edward Bulwer-Lytton and William Harrison Ainsworth.
The popularity of the Newgate novel, and 'Oliver Twist' in particular, reflects the Victorian public's fascination with crime and the sensational aspects of urban life.

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