Therefore, any citizen who opposed the social hierarchy was seen as insolent. For example, the novel's protagonist, Oliver, simply did not grasp the absolute nature of this social structure. In this passage, Dickens draws the reader in with the assumption that he 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 among themselves and wink at Oliver in an attempt to encourage Oliver, "child as he was, he was desperate with hunger and reckless with misery", when he stood up table to advance towards the master with his basin and spoon in hand and boldly declared "please sir, I want more". Therefore, Oliver's action unintentionally challenged the social hierarchy, for a moment extending his social status far above his actual rank on the social totem pole. Oliver's behavior was seen as downright bold and unnatural, this is evidenced when: “The master looked for a few seconds in stunned astonishment at the little rebel; then clung to the copper for support. Those present were paralyzed with wonder; boys with fear. This quote highlights Oliver's insubordination when he dares to ask for "more." Dickens uses diction to emphasize the overwhelming disbelief of Oliver's behavior as