Therefore any citizen who opposed the social hierarchy was perceived as insolent. For example, the novel's protagonist, Oliver, simply did not grasp the absoluteness of this social structure. In this passage, Dickens engages the reader under the assumption that the reader has a concrete understanding of the historical and social constructs of Victorian society, as well as the overwhelming naivety of Oliver Twist. This is illustrated when the boys whisper to each other and wink at Oliver in an attempt to encourage Oliver, "child as he was, he was desperate with hunger and reckless with poverty", when he rose from the table advancing towards the master with his basin and spoon in hand and boldly declared “please sir, I want more.” Thus, Oliver's action unintentionally challenged the social hierarchy by momentarily extending his social status far above his actual rank on the social totem pole. Oliver's behavior was perceived as absolutely bold and unnatural, this is highlighted when; “The master looked at the little rebel for a few seconds with amazement and astonishment; and then he clung to the copper for support. The assistants were paralyzed with amazement; the kids with fear." This quote highlights Oliver's insubordination when he boldly asks for “more”. Dickens uses diction to accentuate the overwhelming incredulity of Oliver's behavior as a