What do critics say about anti-semitism in Oliver Twist?

Critics often highlight the portrayal of the character Fagin in Charles Dickens' "Oliver Twist" as a significant example of anti-Semitism. Fagin is depicted with stereotypical traits associated with Jewish people, such as greed and cunning, which has led to accusations that Dickens perpetuates negative stereotypes. While some argue that Dickens' intention was to critique societal attitudes towards Jews, many believe that the character ultimately reinforces harmful prejudices. This portrayal has sparked extensive debate about the intersection of literature and social values in the 19th century.