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

I do not find it easy to get sufficiently far away from this Book, in the first sensations of having finished it, to refer to it with the composure which this formal heading would seem to require. My interest in it, is so recent and strong; and my mind is so divided between pleasure and regret--pleasure in the achievement of a long design, regret in the separation from many companions--that I am in danger of wearying the reader whom I love, with personal confidences, and private emotions.

Besides which, all that I could say of the Story, to any purpose, I have endeavoured to say in it.

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

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