The Artful Dodger
A Story Every Day in 2024 Dec 17th ?/366
I'm good at what I do, I am. See that geezer over there with the cane? He'll have a silk handkerchief in his top pocket and I'll have that away in a trice! He won't even know it's gone until he'll go to look for it later and it won't be there. It'll be stashed away by then with the others I've nicked from these la-di-da gents!
Sometimes, before I hand them over, I'll rub them along my skin, a clean bit if I can find one (I'll make a patch with a bit of spit if I can't) so it don't leave no marks on the merchandise as Fagin likes to call it and I'll think about what it would be like to live a life of luxury like these toffs...
Silk's lovely. So soft. Makes no noise neither so it would be great material to wear for a thief like me.
Although I don't see myself as a thief. I know that's what I do but thief makes it sound likes there no skill to it, like it's just about the taking but for me, there's an art to it. I guess that's why I'm known as the Artful Dodger. Never been caught yet and that's because of my art, that is. I'm a master, even if I do say so myself. Light of finger, light of foot.
I feel like I'm bestowing an honour. I see you in a crowd, I eye you up, assessing what you have: the bulge in your pocket, the chain at your waistcoat. For ladies, the purse on your wrist or the kid gloves draped over your arm. I spot 'em and I'm in and like lightning, I've purloined them for myself! The skill in that? You wouldn't believe!
I'm no ruffian. I'm a connoisseur, the best of the best. I'm of the humble opinion that if it mattered that much to you, you'd take more care of it.
You wouldn't steal nuffing off me, mister. Not a chance. I'd have dodged out of your way before you could make your move! Now, it's time to make mine. For I have a date with some very nice silk.
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366 words
I like imagining my own version of already established characters - is that plagiarism? Do you think Dickens would mind?
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Comments (17)
Well, since I read the follow up first, I think he may have a matter to discuss with you, lol. Great work, Rachel!
This was great fun! Wonderful interpretation of the character!
I read this in a cockney (spelled correctly? Probably not) accent and it gave me a tickle. Well done :)
Dickens is dead. Press on!
Re-imagining characters from old stories keeps the original alive, so I can't imagine why Dickens would mind! If not for the umpteen million adaptations of his works--especially A Christmas Carol--we might be asking: who the Dickens was Dickens?! To my mind, the highest praise is a Muppets adaptation, and he got that! If Kermit is reading this, I hope he considers giving my work a fair shake one day... Well-wrought!
I love this Rachel, the fluidity of the characters thoughts/ morals is so well done!! Dickens doesn't need to know!! 😅
Nahhhh, I don't think Dickens would be a dick, lol. Loved your story!
I ‘ink ee’d bee ‘appy of you’re a ten shun!
Here I was, bestowing a generous spirit on Dickens… I figured he’s consider this story to be a delightful compliment!🤭🤣
Dickens would mind. I reckon dickens would have been quite possessive about things. But I don't mind, I think it's fun.
Great characterization of The Artful Dodger! I loved the story of Oliver Twist, I was always Oliver. My mother and I had seen the the 1968 Oscar winning motion picture. I never realized then how personal the movie, especially the song, "Where is Love" would become until she died. Thanks for this story, I love these characters!
Naw, you just enhanced his story with a little insight. I thought it was brilliant
He wouldn't mind. There were so many pirated copies of his work that he knew he would still get paid for it...or at least recognition.
Love this Rachel - the Artful Dodger and Fagin were always my favorite characters. I think Charles would love it too - if not, he can eat a bag of dickens!
I can't speak for old Charlie, but I think you did a great job.
With Cindy. Dickens would be very happy! And a huge kudos on the accent.
Methinks Dickens would be proud.