The Education Act of 1870 opened up the academic world for the lower/working classes. Before this act, only kids of the upper and middle class could afford to go to schools. It also was uncommon for the lower class kids to go to school because they were working in the factories or in their families buisnesses/farms. Once this act was established it allowed kids of lower and working class to attend for a reasonable amount of money. Now, while reading the novel Oliver Twist by Charles Dickens I began to noitice that education was hardly mentioned within the novel. Throughout Olivers travels there are only a hand full of times I can recall education being mentioned. For instance, when Oliver was first with Mr. Brownlow in his study, Mr. Brownlow asks Oliver if he would like to recieve an education and write books. Oliver declined and said that he would rather make the books. I found this quite interesting. If Oliver had choosen to accept Mr. Brownlow's education, he would have recieved quite a good one. Because Mr. Brownlow was part of the upper class, he could have afforded to send Oliver to school. Oliver may have been uncomfortable because he did not know Mr. Brownlow that much or maybe he declined because he liked being part of the working class, but I believe Oliver missed an amazing opportunity. The Education Act of 1870 won't take place for another couple of decades which means that Oliver won't get another chance at receiving an education. This Act makes it more accesible for elementary aged kids and Oliver will be well on his way towards adult hood that education won't seem as important as working. But now that we know Mr. Brownlow has full custody of Oliver at the end of the novel, will Olivers choice of education still stand? Will he take the opportunity since Mr. Brownlow can afford what is out of reach for many children or will Oliver decline because of his life within the working class?