Why is Oliver so preoccupied with climbing
the social ladder?

Oliver was so preoccupied in climbing the social ladder because he was born in the lower class and wanted a better life. He was actually an orphan who was sold in order to become an apprentice. Due to his struggles, he ran away to London in order to seek for a better living condition.

Explanation:

The question above is related to the story about "Oliver Twist," written by Charles Dickens. It focuses on the character of the child protagonist, Oliver, who was an orphan boy.

The novel shows the different kinds of social statuses, including child labor. Thus, when Oliver ran away to London, he was recruited by a gentleman who provided his food and lodgings. He later found out that he was actually recruited not to make handkerchiefs and wallets but to do pick-pocketing.