David Copperfield | Study Guide

Charles Dickens

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David Copperfield | Infographic

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Check out this Infographic to learn more about Charles Dickens's David Copperfield. Study visually with character maps, plot summaries, helpful context, and more.

david-copperfield-charles-dickens_TEST7Charles Dickens1849–50EnglishNovel AuthorYears PublishedOriginal LanguageDavidCopperfieldFictionThe SeaRepresents death, the uncontrollable forces in life, and—for some—new beginningsFlowersSymbolize beauty, innocence, hope, and romance, as when David gives a bouquet to DoraBlunderstone RookeryStands for the poor life choices of David’s fatherSymbolsTen-year-old David Copperfield, orphaned and alone, is forced to work in a London warehouse. Needing to find a better life for himself, he sets out on a path filled with adventure, drama, heartbreak, and rollicking comedy. Along the way, David is both helped and hindered by some of the most memorable characters in all of English literature.Making a Wayin the WorldMAIN CHARACTERSAgnes WickfieldDavid’s second wife; calm, observant, and lovingUriah HeepGreedy embezzler; ruins David’s friends and familyJames SteerforthCharming but cruel schoolmate; betrays DavidMiss BetseyGenerous, interesting great-aunt; supports DavidDora SpenlowDavid’s pretty but childish first wifeDavid CopperfieldOrphan; strives to be earnestPeggottyKind, faithful family servant; helps DavidHarsh, brutal stepfather; sends David awayMr. MurdstoneSources: Encyclopaedia Britannica, The Guardian, IMDb, Victorian WebCopyright © 2016 Course Hero, Inc.David Copperfieldby the NumbersYears Dickens spent writing David CopperfieldMonths after his father’s death that David Copperfield is bornAge when David Copperfield gets a job in a supply warehouseAcademy Awards for which the 1935 film adaptation was nominated32610hether 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.Narrator, Chapter 1Dickens wrote David Copperfield after giving up on writing an autobiography. Parts of his own life story found their way into the novel, such as having to work in a factory. Because of this connection, Dickens referred to David Copperfield as his favorite child.CHARLES DICKENS1812–70AuthorThemesImportance of Life ChoicesChoosing the wrong life partner or the wrong path to prosperity can affect the entire course of a person’s life.Naiveté vs. MaturityPerseveranceDavid is faced with many obstacles on his path to maturity and success, but he adapts and works toward his goal.Part of growing up is realizing that people do not always mean what they say.
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