Guide Note:

David Copperfield is a classic novel by Charles Dickens about a young man named David Copperfield. David tells his story from youth to adulthood, and many of the events follow Dickens' own life very closely.

Fast Facts:

1. Writer: Charles Dickens
2. Country: England
3. Publisher: Bradbury and Evans
4. Publication Date: 1849-1850 (serialized)
5. Often considered the most autobiographical of Dickens' works
6. Thematic Elements:
   1. Abuse of power
   2. Importance of kindness and charity
   3. Equality within marriage
   4. Childhood influences
   5. Class consciousness
   6. Plight of the weak
7. Narrative: First person

Plot Synopsis

The story follows the life of David Copperfield as he grows up under harsh conditions of his childhood in the mid 1800s. David has trouble at home and is sent to a boarding school. During a period of leave from the school for a holiday, he finds that he has a new brother. Unfortunately, after returning to the boarding school he gets word that both his mother and new brother have died. Meanwhile, the owner of the boarding school has gone bankrupt and is thrown into debtor's prison. Because of this set of circumstances, David leaves London for Dover to find his only remaining relative, Aunt Betsy Trotwood. Surprised at his appearance, she agrees to take him in and raise him as her own, giving him the name Trotwood Copperfield. During the remainder of the novel Dickens' own experiences show through as inequality and justice permeate as themes. In the end, the antagonists get what they have coming to them in true Dickens fashion.