The introduction to this chapter emphasizes the universal appeal of the novel. Compose a poem or short story set in a contemporary environment that highlights a universal aspect of the novel.

Read Dickens’s Great Expectations and compare its coming-of-age theme to that of David Copperfield. Does Pip in the former novel encounter the same challenges as David? What explains the differences? Create a chart to compare and contrast the two with respect to this theme.

Write a report on the treatment of children during the Victorian era. In your research, consider the following questions: How were orphans treated? How accurate is David’s depiction of his harsh experiences at school? Were there any laws protecting children who were part of the labor force? Select one of these topics to focus on for your report.

Read a biography of Dickens and identify specific parallels to events and individuals in David’s life. Prepare a PowerPoint presentation summarizing your findings.