David Copperfield by Charles Dickens
David Copperfield is a novel by Charles Dickens, first published in 1850. It is considered to be one of his most autobiographical works, as it follows the life of the titular character from his birth to adulthood.
The novel begins with the death of David's father, and his mother's subsequent remarriage to the cruel Mr. Murdstone. David is sent away to a boarding school, where he is treated harshly and made to work in a factory. After his mother's death, David is sent to live with his eccentric aunt, Betsey Trotwood.
David eventually finds employment as a clerk in a law firm, and meets the love of his life, Dora Spenlow. However, Dora's father disapproves of the match and David is forced to leave her. He eventually meets Agnes Wickfield, the daughter of his employer, and falls in love with her.
The novel follows David's life as he struggles to make his way in the world, encountering a variety of characters along the way. He eventually finds success as a writer and marries Agnes. The novel ends with David reflecting on his life and the lessons he has learned.
By Charles Dickens · First published 1849 · Genre: Realistic Fiction, Bildungsroman, Victorian Literature · 60 chapters
Contents
- Chapter 1: I Am Born
- Chapter 1: Preface to 1850 Edition
- Chapter 2: I Observe
- Chapter 2: Preface to the Charles Dickens Edition
- Chapter 3: I Have a Change
- Chapter 4: I Fall Into Disgrace
- Chapter 5: I Am Sent Away from Home
- Chapter 6: I Enlarge My Circle of Acquaintance
- Chapter 7: My 'first Half' at Salem House
- Chapter 8: MY HOLIDAYS
- Chapter 9: I Have a Memorable Birthday
- Chapter 10: I Become Neglected, and Am Provided For
- Chapter 11: I Begin Life on My Own Account, and Don't Like It
- Chapter 12: Liking Life on My Own Account No Better, I Form a Great Resolution
- Chapter 13: The Sequel of My Resolution
- Chapter 14: My Aunt Makes Up Her Mind About Me
- Chapter 15: I Make Another Beginning
- Chapter 16: I Am a New Boy in More Senses Than One
- Chapter 17: Somebody Turns Up
- Chapter 18: A Retrospect
- Chapter 19: I Look About Me, and Make a Discovery
- Chapter 20: Steerforth's Home
- Chapter 21: Little Em'ly
- Chapter 22: Some Old Scenes, and Some New People
- Chapter 23: I CORROBORATE Mr
- Chapter 24: My First Dissipation
- Chapter 25: Good and Bad Angels
- Chapter 26: I Fall Into Captivity
- Chapter 27: Tommy Traddles
- Chapter 28: Mr
- Chapter 29: I Visit Steerforth at His Home, Again
- Chapter 30: A Loss
- Chapter 31: A Greater Loss
- Chapter 32: The Beginning of a Long Journey
- Chapter 33: Blissful
- Chapter 34: My Aunt Astonishes Me
- Chapter 35: Depression
- Chapter 36: Enthusiasm
- Chapter 37: A Little Cold Water
- Chapter 38: A Dissolution of Partnership
- Chapter 39: Wickfield and Heep
- Chapter 40: The Wanderer
- Chapter 41: Dora's Aunts
- Chapter 42: Mischief
- Chapter 43: Another Retrospect
- Chapter 44: Our Housekeeping
- Chapter 45: MR
- Chapter 46: Intelligence
- Chapter 47: Martha
- Chapter 48: Domestic
- Chapter 49: I Am Involved in Mystery
- Chapter 50: Mr
- Chapter 51: The Beginning of a Longer Journey
- Chapter 52: I Assist at an Explosion
- Chapter 53: Another Retrospect
- Chapter 54: Mr
- Chapter 55: Tempest
- Chapter 56: The New Wound, and the Old
- Chapter 57: The Emigrants
- Chapter 58: Absence
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