illustration of two young men standing in 19th century garb and looking at one another

David Copperfield

by Charles Dickens

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David Copperfield

Salem House is a harsh, prison-like school where students are treated cruelly and subjected to corporal punishment by Mr. Creakle, reflecting Murdstone's uncharitable views. In contrast, Dr. Strong's...

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David Copperfield

The moral lesson that David Copperfield could be said to impart is that kindness, sympathy, and generosity are more important and perhaps more desirable than wealth, power, and social position.

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David Copperfield

In David Copperfield, Annie Strong did not have an affair with Jack Maldon. In Chapter 45, Annie admits to her husband, Dr. Strong, that she and Jack were "little lovers" in the past, but she never...

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David Copperfield

Mr. Micawber exposed Uriah Heep by revealing his embezzlement and illegal activities. Micawber, who worked under Heep, arranged a meeting with David, Traddles, Aunt Betsy, and Mr. Dick to disclose...

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David Copperfield

David's father died six months before David was born. His mother fainted after an emotionally draining discussion with Miss Betsey. Pegotty, the housekeeper, took David to Yarmouth while his mother...

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David Copperfield

Quinion in Charles Dickens's David Copperfield is David's supervisor at Murdstone's wine bottling warehouse in London. He manages the accounting department and is involved in arranging David's...

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David Copperfield

The name of David Copperfield's house was strange because it was called "the Rookery," although there were no rooks near it.

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David Copperfield

Miss Betsey Trotwood leaves abruptly because she is disillusioned with men due to past experiences, including her nephew David Copperfield Sr.'s marriage to a much younger woman, which she sees as...

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David Copperfield

David's early life is marked by comfort and kindness, with a loving mother and Peggotty, and a decent education. However, after his mother's death, the Murdstones remove him from school, forcing him...

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David Copperfield

The climax of David Copperfield occurs during the shipwreck scene in Chapter 55, where David witnesses Steerforth's death. This event is pivotal as it resolves the conflict surrounding Emily's...

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David Copperfield

Peggotty is angry with David's mother because she disapproves of her relationship with Mr. Murdstone. Peggotty believes that Mrs. Copperfield is engaged to a man whom she distrusts, feeling that Mr....

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David Copperfield

David's first day at the Wickfield house is a very happy occasion for the young man. Though sad to see Miss Betsey depart, he's nonetheless pleased that he will now be staying in a comfortable house...

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David Copperfield

The quote "Each in his narrow cell for ever laid, / The rude forefathers of hamlet sleep" from David Copperfield is a reference to Thomas Gray's poem "Elegy Written in a Country Churchyard." It...

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David Copperfield

David's wives, Dora and Agnes, represent contrasting ideals. Dora embodies idealized beauty and charm but is fragile and impractical, symbolizing a superficial attraction. Her youth and beauty are...

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David Copperfield

Betsey Trotwood and Clara Copperfield are contrasting figures in David Copperfield. Betsey is assertive, independent, and wise from past experiences, while Clara is meek, naive, and vulnerable to...

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David Copperfield

During their visit to Yarmouth, David and Peggotty stay with Peggotty's brother, Dan, a retired sailor living on a boat with his relatives Ham and Emily, and a widow, Mrs. Gummidge. David spends...

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David Copperfield

Mrs. Copperfield's servant girl is called by her surname, Peggotty, because her first name, Clara, is the same as Mrs. Copperfield's. This avoids confusion, especially since Mrs. Copperfield's...

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David Copperfield

Peggotty gets annoyed when David looks around during church because she wants him to focus on the preacher, as it is considered respectful. However, David is a young child with a short attention...

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David Copperfield

David's fears for Emily as she run along a "ragged timber" over deep water do forbode and foreshadow harm Emily might come to from her impulsive and fearless nature.

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David Copperfield

Dora and Emily in David Copperfield are both attractive but exhibit poor judgment. Dora is a "child bride," lacking competence in adult tasks and content with her social position, while Emily aspires...

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David Copperfield

Memory in "David Copperfield" is a crucial narrative technique, as the novel is presented as an autobiographical memoir. The narrative oscillates between David's childhood experiences and his adult...

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David Copperfield

Mr. Wickfield and Mr. Spenlow are both father figures to David Copperfield, representing contrasting traits. Wickfield is kind but easily manipulated, falling victim to Uriah Heep's schemes, while...

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David Copperfield

Both David Copperfield and Great Expectations feature protagonists who are orphans facing adversity, with Pip and David experiencing abuse from their guardians. Each novel includes whimsical...

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David Copperfield

In David Copperfield, characters representing love and truth include Pegotty and Betsy Trotwood. Pegotty, David's housekeeper, provides unwavering care and teaches him about love despite his mother's...

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David Copperfield

In David Copperfield, David's mother, Clara, is victimized by her second husband, Mr. Murdstone. He is cruel and authoritarian, imposing strict rules and harsh punishments. Clara's gentle and...

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David Copperfield

Aunt Betsey Trotwood, an eccentric character in David Copperfield, frightens the pregnant Clara Copperfield by suddenly appearing at her window, pressing her face against it instead of ringing the...

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David Copperfield

In considering the characters, Tommy Traddles is more likable due to his good heart and strong values, despite his clumsiness. He endures adversity at Salem House without bitterness and maintains...

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David Copperfield

The ending of David Copperfield could be changed to have David marry Agnes from the start, as this would create a more realistic and satisfying conclusion. Currently, David marries Dora, who is...

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David Copperfield

David Copperfield is realistic fiction, as it depicts events that could occur in real life. Unlike fantasy or science fiction, it does not involve magic or futuristic technology. Set in Victorian...

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David Copperfield

Mr. Creakle is the headmaster of Salem House, where David is sent after his encounter with Mr. Murdstone. Described as having a "fiery face" with small eyes and a voice barely above a whisper, Mr....

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