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

At Salem House, David Copperfield experiences harsh treatment and strict discipline. He is bullied by older boys, particularly by James Steerforth, who later becomes a significant figure in his life....

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David Copperfield

David Copperfield describes himself as “a posthumous child,” meaning that he was born after the death of his father. To be precise, he came into the world six months after his father passed away.

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David Copperfield

Mr. Micawber and David Copperfield first meet when David is sent to work in London and lodges with the Micawber family. Initially, Mr. Micawber acts as a mentor, providing David with companionship...

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David Copperfield

David Copperfield is considered a Bildungsroman because it focuses on the protagonist's growth and personal development from childhood to adulthood. The novel explores David's experiences,...

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David Copperfield

The idea that influences David's boyish mind to make him leave school without regret in David Copperfield is the vision of his being an independent young man with the freedom to make “wonderful...

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David Copperfield

David perceives Mr. Murdstone as a cruel and oppressive figure. From their first encounter, David senses Mr. Murdstone's harsh and authoritarian nature, which only intensifies after Mr. Murdstone...

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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

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

David Copperfield's feelings towards Uriah Heep are overwhelmingly negative. From their first meeting, David is unsettled by Uriah's cadaverous appearance and obsequious demeanor, which mask...

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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

Steerforth asks David to think well of him because he needs others to see him positively despite his poor treatment of Emily Peggotty and others. Steerforth craves adulation and feels superior to...

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David Copperfield

David's birthday is memorable for its profound sadness. Instead of receiving a gift, he learns of his mother's death and his baby brother's impending death, both of which occur. This marks a turning...

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David Copperfield

As his stepfather prepared to test him on his lesson, David felt apprehensive and miserable. His stepfather used the lessons to belittle David, and he dreaded every test his stepfather gave him.

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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

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

In David Copperfield, David's mother is kind, gentle, and childlike, which makes her ill-suited for the harsh realities of life. She creates a loving environment for David, but her meekness allows...

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David Copperfield

David runs away from London due to the oppressive and degrading conditions he faces working in Mr. Murdstone's wine warehouse, a job forced upon him by his cruel stepfather. The work environment is...

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David Copperfield

David marries Dora as part of his journey toward maturity in Dickens's bildungsroman. Their marriage is marked by immaturity, reflecting David's inexperience and youthful mistakes. David sees Dora as...

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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

David's struggle concludes with the intervention of his great aunt, Miss Betsey Trotwood, who provides him with stability, care, and guidance after a troubled childhood marked by his stepfather's...

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David Copperfield

David's behavior and endurance at Salem House reveal his resilience and naivety. Despite the school's oppressive environment, marked by Mr. Creakle's harsh discipline and the humiliation of wearing a...

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David Copperfield

After Barkis's death, David helps Peggotty by locating Barkis's hidden possessions, which include money and valuables amounting to nearly three thousand pounds. This inheritance provides support for...

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David Copperfield

One afternoon, David is pleasantly surprised by an unexpected visit from Mr. Peggotty and Ham, which contrasts sharply with the harshness of school life. Their visit highlights the sincerity of true...

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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

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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