WHERE THE DICKENS DID HE GET HIS INSPIRATION FROM?

Fagin :

Dickens if thought to have drawn inspiration for the character of Fagin, from Isaac Solomon. Known as Ikey, he was a notorious Jewish criminal who operated in London during the 19th century. He was a master thief, fence, and receiver of stolen goods, and his criminal activities made him a feared and respected figure in the underworld of the time.

Born in London in 1785, Solomon grew up in poverty and turned to a life of crime at a young age. He quickly made a name for himself as a skilled thief and began to build a criminal empire that spanned across the city. He was known for his cunning and ability to outsmart the police and was able to avoid capture for many years.

Solomon was also known for his connections to other criminals and his ability to fence stolen goods. He operated a successful pawn shop on Saffron Hill in London, where he would buy and sell stolen property at a considerable profit. This allowed him to amass a considerable fortune and cement his reputation as one of the most powerful criminals in the city.

Despite his criminal activities, Solomon was also known for his generosity towards those in need. He often provided financial assistance to struggling members of the Jewish community and was seen as a Robin Hood-like figure by many.

However, Solomon's criminal empire eventually came crashing down in 1830 when he was arrested and convicted of receiving stolen goods. He was sentenced to transportation to Australia, where he spent the rest of his life.

Ikey Solomon's life story is a fascinating tale of crime, cunning, and charisma. He was a larger-than-life figure who managed to rise from poverty to become one of the most powerful criminals in London. While his criminal activities were certainly illegal and unethical, his ability to outsmart the authorities and evade capture for so long is a testament to his intelligence and cunning.

Though his criminal activities ultimately led to his downfall, his reputation as a master thief and receiver of stolen goods has ensured that he will be remembered as one of the most notorious figures of his time.

Bill Sykes : 

A well-known antagonist in Charles Dickens' classic novel, Oliver Twist. He is portrayed as a violent, abusive criminal who is involved in various nefarious activities, including robbery and murder. Many readers have wondered if Bill Sykes was based on a real-life character, as his actions and behaviour seem so vivid and detailed.

While there is no definitive proof that Sykes was based on a specific individual, it is widely believed that Dickens drew inspiration from the criminals and villains he encountered in the seedy underbelly of Victorian London. During his time as a journalist, Dickens frequently visited prisons and met with convicts, giving him insight into the world of crime and poverty.

One possible inspiration for Bill Sykes could have been the notorious criminal Bill Sikes, who was active in London during the early 19th century. Sikes was involved in a number of criminal activities, including theft and violence, and his name became synonymous with fear and cruelty. It is likely that Dickens heard of Sikes's exploits and incorporated them into his novel, creating a character who embodies the darkest aspects of human nature.

Another possible influence on Bill Sykes was the real-life case of Burke and Hare, two infamous serial killers who murdered their victims in order to sell their bodies to medical schools for dissection. The callousness and brutality displayed by these men may have served as a basis for Dickens's portrayal of Sykes as a heartless and remorseless criminal.

Additionally, Dickens may have drawn inspiration from his own experiences and observations of the poverty and desperation that plagued London during his time. The stark divide between the wealthy and the impoverished, as well as the harsh conditions faced by the lower classes, likely informed Dickens's depiction of characters like Bill Sykes who were driven to crime out of desperation and a lack of opportunities.

The Artful Dodger :

The Artful Dodger (Jack Dawkins) however, is an entirely fictional from Dickens 'Oliver Twist', as are Oliver, Nancy and the rest of the novels characters. 

While there is no concrete evidence to suggest that Fagin or Bill Sykes were directly based on real-life characters, it is clear that Dickens drew inspiration from the criminal underworld and societal injustices of his time to create characters who are both horrifying and compelling. 

By weaving together elements of fact and fiction, Dickens crafted timeless villains whose legacy continues to captivate readers to this day.

In conclusion :

If like me, you enjoyed the films and musical productions of this classic, but have never read the book itself, you'd be amazed at the amount of the plot that’s been left out. Pivital characters completely erased from the films, plays, musicals. 

But don’t worry, I’m not going to post any spoilers…I would however, strongly advise reading the novel. 

In my opinion, the best part of the story has been completely overlook, possibly because of the time it would take to film/show the whole story in its entirety.