David Copperfield

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 · 355,937 words

First lines

DAVID COPPERFIELD. 1869. 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. To begin my life with the beginning of my life, I record that I was born (as I have been informed and believe) on a Friday, at twelve o'clock at night. It was remarked that the clock began to strike, and I began to cry, simultaneously.

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'and · 'oh · 'you · Autobiographical fiction · Bildungsromans · Boys · Child labor · England · Fiction · Harvard Classics · Historical Novel · Novel

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