"... Overpowered by the conviction of the bystanders that he was really the hardened little wretch he was described to be, what could one poor child do?" (Chapter 15)
This quote stuck out to me a great deal. It is incredibly interesting to me that a boy can go from innocent to a criminal, simply because this is how they are treated. It makes me consider if a basically good person can become a bad one because of others opinions of them. What does everyone else think of this?
I think it's possible for someone to change in nature due to their environment. But, if someone had strong views and a strong will, I do not think they would be effected as much as Oliver. Oliver is a young and impressionable boy, he's lived a tough life, so it is more likely he would change greatly. I doubt many would turn to a life of crime just because of how they are treated. There needs to be a stronger force in addition. Oliver is not only treated terribly, but it is his only way of survival. If he did not comply, he would be treated even worse.
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