David Copperfield | Charles Dickens | Cliff Note Books
“David Copperfield,” published in 1850, is a semi-autobiographical novel written by Charles Dickens. It is told in the first person and traces the life of the titular character from his birth to maturity.
Childhood: David Copperfield is born in England in the early 19th century. His father died before his birth, and his mother, Clara, hires a firm but kind nursemaid, Peggotty. When David is a young boy, his mother marries the stern and cruel Mr. Murdstone, who, along with his sister Jane, takes over the household. Murdstone sends David to a harsh boarding school run by Mr. Creakle.
Youth: After his mother dies, David is forced to leave school and work in a factory in London. He lodges with the Micawber family, who, despite their financial struggles, are kind to him. Unhappy with his living conditions, David runs away to Dover to find his aunt, Betsey Trotwood.
Adulthood: Betsey adopts David and sends him to a good school. As a young man, David falls in love with Dora Spenlow, the daughter of his boss. They eventually marry, but their marriage is not entirely happy, partly due to Dora’s childishness and lack of domestic skills.
Later Life: David suffers significant losses, including the death of his friend and mentor, Mr. Wickfield, and his wife, Dora. After Dora’s death, David travels abroad to forget his sorrow. When he returns, he realizes he is in love with Agnes, Mr. Wickfield’s daughter. They marry and have several children.
Throughout the novel, David encounters a variety of characters, some kind and others villainous. Many of these characters, including Uriah Heep, a deceitful clerk who seeks to destroy Mr. Wickfield, and Steerforth, a charming but morally weak schoolmate who betrays David’s trust, play significant roles in David’s life.
“David Copperfield” is a classic coming-of-age story, portraying the protagonist’s journey from a difficult childhood to a successful adulthood. The novel is celebrated for its richly drawn characters and its exploration of themes such as class, ambition, and personal development.
QUOTES
“Whether I shall turn out to be the hero of my own life, or whether that station will be held by anybody else, these pages must show.”
“Annual income twenty pounds, annual expenditure nineteen nineteen and six, result happiness. Annual income twenty pounds, annual expenditure twenty pounds ought and six, result misery.”
“My meaning simply is, that whatever I have tried to do in life, I have tried with all my heart to do well; that whatever I have devoted myself to, I have devoted myself to completely; that in great aims and in small, I have always been thoroughly in earnest.”
“Procrastination is the thief of time, collar him.”
“Never,” said my aunt, “be mean in anything; never be false; never be cruel. Avoid those three vices, Trot, and I can always be hopeful of you.”
“I have been bent and broken, but – I hope – into a better shape.”
“There can be no disparity in marriage like unsuitability of mind and purpose.”
“It is a fact which will be long remembered as remarkable down there, that she was never drowned, but died triumphantly in bed, at ninety-two.”
“We must meet reverses boldly, and not suffer them to frighten us, my dear. We must learn to act the play out. We must live misfortune down, Trot!”
“I am the umble instrument of umbler Mind. I crouch before my Mental Superiors.”
AUTHOR
Charles Dickens (1812-1870) was a renowned English writer and social critic, considered one of the greatest novelists of the Victorian era. His works enjoyed unprecedented popularity during his lifetime and remain widely read and appreciated today.
Born on February 7, 1812, in Portsmouth, England, Charles John Huffam Dickens was the second of eight children. His father, John Dickens, was a naval clerk who dreamed of striking it rich but never did, resulting in a precarious financial situation for the family.
When Dickens was 12, his father was imprisoned for debt, a common practice in Victorian England. The family moved into the Marshalsea Prison with John Dickens, while Charles was forced to leave school and work in a boot-blacking factory to support the family. This period had a profound impact on Dickens and influenced much of his later writing about social issues and the plight of the poor.
Dickens eventually returned to school but left at 15 to work as an office boy at an attorney’s. He later became a freelance reporter at the law courts of London, a job that gave him a close-up view of the city’s underbelly and the injustices suffered by the poor.
His writing career took off when he started publishing humorous sketches of London life in various periodicals. These were later compiled into a collection called “Sketches by Boz”. His first novel, “The Pickwick Papers,” was serialized in 1836, and its success made Dickens a literary sensation.
Throughout his career, Dickens wrote 15 major novels and numerous short stories, including “Oliver Twist,” “Nicholas Nickleby,” “David Copperfield,” “A Tale of Two Cities,” and “Great Expectations.” He often used his works to highlight social issues, including poverty, child labor, and the harsh conditions of Victorian England.
Dickens was also known for his public readings from his novels, which were hugely popular. He died of a stroke on June 9, 1870, leaving his final novel, “The Mystery of Edwin Drood,” unfinished. He was buried in the Poets’ Corner of Westminster Abbey.
Dickens’ influence on literature cannot be overstated. His characters, from Ebenezer Scrooge to Oliver Twist, have become cultural icons, and his novels continue to be widely read, studied, and adapted for stage and screen.
CRITICISMS
While “David Copperfield” is a much-loved work and widely considered one of Charles Dickens’ best novels, it has faced its share of criticism over the years. Here are a few common criticisms:
Idealization of Characters: Some critics argue that Dickens’ characters in “David Copperfield” are too idealized or stereotyped. Characters like Agnes Wickfield, for example, are often viewed as too virtuous and angelic, making them less believable or relatable.
Sentimentality: Dickens’ work, including “David Copperfield,” is sometimes criticized for its sentimentality. Critics argue that Dickens overuses pathos, particularly in his depictions of suffering children and the downtrodden.
Plot Structure: Critics have pointed out that the novel’s plot structure can sometimes seem disjointed, likely because it was originally published in serial form. There are many different subplots and characters that sometimes seem unrelated to the main narrative.
Depiction of Women: Some modern critics take issue with the portrayal of women in the novel. Characters like Dora Spenlow are depicted as childish and unable to handle adult responsibilities, while Agnes Wickfield is often seen as an overly idealized figure of feminine perfection.
Social Critique: While Dickens does portray the harsh conditions of Victorian society, particularly for the poor, some critics argue that he does not go far enough in critiquing these conditions or advocating for change.
Despite these criticisms, it’s important to note that “David Copperfield” is widely respected and appreciated for its storytelling, character development, and social commentary. It has remained a significant work in the canon of English literature.
DISCUSSION
“David Copperfield” offers numerous points for discussion due to its rich themes, characterization, and narrative structure. Here are some potential discussion points:
Autobiographical Elements: Charles Dickens described “David Copperfield” as his “favorite child,” and it’s widely regarded as the most autobiographical of his novels. How do these elements shape the narrative? How does Dickens use his personal experiences to inform his critique of society?
Social Commentary: Dickens is known for his vivid depictions of the social issues of his time, including poverty, child labor, and the inadequacies of the Victorian legal system. How are these issues presented in “David Copperfield”? What solutions, if any, does Dickens suggest?
Characterization: The novel is filled with a wide array of characters, from the virtuous (Agnes Wickfield) to the villainous (Uriah Heep). How do these characters contribute to the overall narrative? How does Dickens use these characters to explore themes of class, ambition, and morality?
Role of Women: The women in “David Copperfield” play crucial roles, and their characterizations have elicited varied responses from readers. Characters like Dora Spenlow and Agnes Wickfield can be seen as embodying Victorian ideals of femininity. What do these portrayals suggest about Dickens’ views on gender roles?
Coming of Age: As a bildungsroman, or coming-of-age story, “David Copperfield” follows its protagonist’s journey from childhood to adulthood. How does David’s character evolve over the course of the novel? What events or influences shape his development?
Narrative Structure and Style: “David Copperfield” was initially published in serial form. How does this affect the narrative structure of the novel? How does Dickens’ use of first-person narration influence our understanding of the story and its characters?
The Theme of Memory: As a first-person narrative, the novel reflects David’s personal memory of his life. How reliable is David as a narrator? How does the theme of memory contribute to the novel’s exploration of truth and identity?
The Influence of “David Copperfield”: Given its status as one of Dickens’ most popular novels, how has “David Copperfield” influenced literature and popular culture? How do its themes and characters resonate with contemporary readers?
These are just a few of the many topics that “David Copperfield” can spark in a discussion. The novel’s enduring popularity ensures that it continues to be a rich source of study for students and scholars alike.
SUMMARIES
David Copperfield has 64 Chapters
Chapter 1: David Copperfield, the narrator, introduces himself and recounts his birth. His father had died six months before he was born, and Peggotty, the family’s kind housekeeper, was present at his birth. David’s great-aunt, Betsey Trotwood, abruptly leaves after she finds out that David is not a girl as she’d hoped.
Chapter 2: David describes his early childhood with his young, doting mother and Peggotty. Their peaceful life is disrupted when Peggotty asks to take David to visit her family in Yarmouth.
Chapter 3: In Yarmouth, David meets Peggotty’s brother, Mr. Peggotty, and his adopted family. David enjoys his visit and is particularly fascinated by little Em’ly, who is around his age.
Chapter 4: David returns home to find that his mother has married Mr. Murdstone, a stern man who begins to dominate the household. David’s life becomes unhappy as Murdstone and his equally severe sister, Miss Murdstone, take control.
Chapter 5: David bites Mr. Murdstone during a harsh punishment and is sent away to a boarding school run by the cruel Mr. Creakle. Life at school is miserable, but David befriends an older student named Steerforth, who takes him under his wing.
Chapter 6: David returns home for the holidays to find his mother changed under Mr. Murdstone’s influence. He also learns that Peggotty has married Mr. Barkis, a carrier.
Chapter 7: David is sent back to school, where he remains for many years, only returning home for holidays. His mother’s health declines, and she gives birth to a baby boy, who dies soon after birth. David’s mother also dies shortly thereafter.
Chapter 8: After his mother’s death, David returns home. Mr. Murdstone and Miss Murdstone show no sympathy for his grief. David is sent to work at a warehouse in London.
Chapter 9: David moves to London, where he lodges with the Micawber family. The Micawbers are kind but constantly in debt. David’s life at the warehouse is dull and tedious, a stark contrast to his previous life.
Chapter 10: The Micawbers’ financial situation worsens, and they decide to move to a new town. Feeling lonely and desperate, David decides to run away to Dover, where his great-aunt Betsey Trotwood lives.
Chapter 11: David travels on foot to Dover to find his great-aunt, Betsey Trotwood. She is surprised by his appearance but listens to his story, and despite her gruff exterior, she agrees to take him in.
Chapter 12: Betsey takes David to Canterbury to meet her lawyer, Mr. Wickfield, and his daughter, Agnes. Wickfield runs a school, where Betsey decides David will attend.
Chapter 13: David starts school and becomes good friends with Agnes Wickfield. He also meets Uriah Heep, Wickfield’s obsequious clerk, who David finds unsettling.
Chapter 14: Time passes, and David does well at school. He visits Betsey during his holidays and becomes friends with Mr. Dick, a simple-minded lodger who lives with Betsey.
Chapter 15: David meets Steerforth again when Steerforth is visiting his mother and her companion, Rosa Dartle. Steerforth is still charming, and David is thrilled to renew their friendship.
Chapter 16: David and Steerforth go on a trip to Yarmouth, where David is reunited with Peggotty and her family. Steerforth is captivated by little Em’ly, now a beautiful young woman, which makes David feel uneasy.
Chapter 17: David and Steerforth enjoy their stay in Yarmouth. Steerforth buys a boat and names it “The Little Em’ly.” David senses a growing attraction between Steerforth and Em’ly, which worries him.
Chapter 18: David completes his schooling and returns to live with Betsey. He’s unsure about his future career and considers becoming a proctor (a type of lawyer).
Chapter 19: David goes to work for Spenlow and Jorkins to learn more about the proctor’s profession. He meets Dora Spenlow, Mr. Spenlow’s daughter, and falls instantly in love with her.
Chapter 20: David is formally apprenticed to Spenlow and Jorkins. He continues to see Dora and falls more deeply in love with her, despite barely knowing her.
Chapter 21: David becomes close friends with his fellow lodger, Tommy Traddles. He continues to fall deeper in love with Dora Spenlow, to the point where he can think of little else.
Chapter 22: David’s great-aunt Betsey Trotwood faces financial difficulties due to bad investments and loses almost all her money. David decides to leave his apprenticeship and find work to support himself and his aunt.
Chapter 23: David finds work as a secretary for his old school friend, Steerforth. He also begins to write pieces for magazines and newspapers. Steerforth and his mother visit, and Steerforth’s charm wins over Betsey and Mr. Dick.
Chapter 24: David runs into Tommy Traddles, who is now a lawyer. Tommy is engaged but too poor to marry. David visits the Micawbers, who are also in London and still struggling with debt.
Chapter 25: David receives a letter from Agnes, who is concerned about her father’s growing dependence on Uriah Heep. David visits Canterbury and is alarmed to see the change in Mr. Wickfield and Agnes’s situation.
Chapter 26: Uriah Heep reveals to David that he loves Agnes. David is repulsed by the idea. Uriah also mentions that he has control over Mr. Wickfield’s affairs, which worries David.
Chapter 27: David goes to visit Steerforth’s family home and meets Rosa Dartle again. She seems bitter and jealous of Steerforth’s affections for others.
Chapter 28: David learns that Steerforth has run off with little Em’ly, devastating her family. David and Mr. Peggotty, Em’ly’s uncle, find a letter from Em’ly expressing her regret and her decision to run away.
Chapter 29: David relays the news to Steerforth’s servant, Littimer, and to Mrs. Steerforth and Rosa Dartle. Both women are upset, but they blame Em’ly rather than Steerforth.
Chapter 30: David is tormented by the situation with Em’ly and Steerforth. He throws himself into his work and writing, and he begins to gain some recognition for his work.
Chapter 31: David meets Dora at a party and declares his love for her. She reciprocates, and they become engaged in secret. David also encounters Julia Mills, a friend of Dora’s, who becomes a confidante for the couple.
Chapter 32: David visits Traddles, who shares his plans for his future home with his fiancée, Sophy. They discuss their respective loves, and Traddles encourages David in his pursuit of Dora.
Chapter 33: David meets with Mr. Spenlow to ask for Dora’s hand in marriage. However, Spenlow strongly disapproves and threatens to disinherit Dora if she marries David. David is devastated.
Chapter 34: David learns that Mr. Spenlow has died suddenly in a carriage accident. Dora is now an orphan, and David feels conflicted about how to proceed.
Chapter 35: David attends Mr. Spenlow’s funeral and learns that Spenlow has died in debt, with little money left for Dora. David helps Dora and her friend Julia Mills move to a new house.
Chapter 36: David visits Agnes and learns that Uriah Heep has insinuated himself into complete control over Mr. Wickfield’s affairs. Agnes is deeply troubled by her father’s dependency on Uriah.
Chapter 37: David is informed by Miss Murdstone, working now as Dora’s companion, that Dora is too unwell to receive visitors. He is worried about Dora’s health and her future.
Chapter 38: David marries Dora, despite her being impractical and child-like. They settle into a house in London, and David continues his writing.
Chapter 39: David struggles with married life. Dora is not capable of managing a household or understanding David’s work. David tries to educate her, but it only leads to misunderstandings and arguments.
Chapter 40: Traddles visits David and Dora. He is now doing well as a lawyer and is finally able to afford to get married. David confides in Traddles about his struggles with Dora.
Chapter 41: David and Dora’s marriage continues to be strained. Dora is incapable of managing their household, but she and David remain devoted to each other.
Chapter 42: David visits Traddles, who is now married to Sophy. He admires their domestic happiness and wishes his marriage could be similar.
Chapter 43: David goes to Canterbury to meet Agnes and Mr. Wickfield. He is alarmed by how much Uriah Heep has gained control over Mr. Wickfield’s life and business.
Chapter 44: David discovers that Tommy Traddles is working on Mr. Wickfield’s accounts and is deeply worried about the irregularities he’s finding. David is more determined to help Agnes and Mr. Wickfield out of Uriah’s clutches.
Chapter 45: David learns that Mrs. Steerforth and Rosa Dartle blame Emily for Steerforth’s actions. He defends Emily and leaves in anger.
Chapter 46: David, Agnes, and Traddles devise a plan to expose Uriah Heep’s fraud and free Mr. Wickfield from his control. They enlist the help of Mr. Micawber, who has been working for Uriah and knows about his illegal activities.
Chapter 47: The group confronts Uriah Heep, and Mr. Micawber publicly accuses him of fraud. Uriah is forced to confess, and Mr. Wickfield is freed from his control.
Chapter 48: With Uriah Heep’s downfall, Mr. Wickfield’s business is saved. Agnes is relieved, and she and David grow closer. David begins to realize that he is in love with Agnes.
Chapter 49: David learns that Dora is seriously ill. He returns home to care for her, and they share some tender moments together.
Chapter 50: Dora’s health continues to decline. She and David have a heartfelt conversation about their marriage, and she admits that she was not a good wife for him. She dies shortly after, leaving David heartbroken.
Chapter 51: After Dora’s death, David is consumed by grief. He decides to travel abroad to deal with his loss.
Chapter 52: David travels through Europe and starts writing a novel based on his own life. He continues to correspond with Agnes, who provides emotional support.
Chapter 53: David returns to England after hearing about the death of his infant son from Agnes. He visits his son’s grave and mourns his loss.
Chapter 54: David visits Mr. Peggotty and learns that Emily has been found. Mr. Peggotty plans to take Emily and start a new life in Australia.
Chapter 55: David visits Emily and Mr. Peggotty before their departure. He finds Emily much changed and humbled by her experiences. Mr. Peggotty invites Martha, who helped find Emily, and Mrs. Gummidge to join them in Australia.
Chapter 56: David visits the Micawbers, who have also decided to emigrate to Australia. They are optimistic about their future prospects. David is touched by their friendship and promises to stay in touch.
Chapter 57: David attends a farewell dinner for the emigrants. The Micawbers, the Peggottys, Emily, and Martha all look forward to their new life in Australia.
Chapter 58: David realizes that he is in love with Agnes. He is hesitant to tell her, fearing it might ruin their friendship. Meanwhile, he continues his writing and publishes his first novel.
Chapter 59: David finally confesses his love to Agnes, and she admits that she has loved him all along. They decide to get married.
Chapter 60: David and Agnes get married and settle into a happy domestic life. Agnes supports David in his writing career, and they have several children together.
Chapter 61: David and Agnes marry and begin a happy life together. Agnes supports David in his writing and they have several children together.
Chapter 62: David receives a letter from Australia. Mr. Micawber has become successful and has paid back all his debts. Emily and Mr. Peggotty are also doing well. Emily remains unmarried, devoting herself to taking care of her uncle.
Chapter 63: Ten years after their departure, David and his family travel to Australia to visit the Micawbers, the Peggottys, and Emily. They find everyone happy and prosperous.
Chapter 64: The novel ends with David reflecting on his life. He is content with his family and his work as a writer. He cherishes the memory of those he has lost, including his mother, Peggotty, and Dora, and feels grateful for the love and friendship he has found in his life.
In these chapters, David’s life reaches a point of stability and contentment. The news from Australia brings closure to the stories of the Micawbers and the Peggottys, and David’s visit to them confirms their happiness. The novel ends on a note of reflection and satisfaction, with David at peace with his past and looking forward to his future.