David Copperfield

PREFACE TO 1850 EDITION.

Affectionately Inscribed To
the Hon. Mr. and Mrs. Richard Watson,
of Rockingham, Northamptonshire.

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.

It would concern the reader little, perhaps, to know, how sorrowfully the pen is laid down at the close of a two-years' imaginative task; or how an Author feels as if he were dismissing some portion of himself into the shadowy world, when a crowd of the creatures of his brain are going from him for ever. Yet, I have nothing else to tell; unless, indeed, I were to confess (which might be of less moment still) that no one can ever believe this Narrative, in the reading, more than I have believed it in the writing.

Instead of looking back, therefore, I will look forward. I cannot close this Volume more agreeably to myself, than with a hopeful glance towards the time when I shall again put forth my two green leaves once a month, and with a faithful remembrance of the genial sun and showers that have fallen on these leaves of David Copperfield, and made me happy. London, October, 1850.

Preface to the Charles Dickens Edition
I REMARKED in the original Preface to this Book, that I did not find it easy to get sufficiently far away from it, 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 was so recent and strong, and my mind was so divided between pleasure and regret - pleasure in the achievement of a long design, regret in the separation from many companions - that I was in danger of wearying the reader with personal confidences and private emotions.

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

It would concern the reader little, perhaps, to know how sorrowfully the pen is laid down at the close of a two-years' imaginative task; or how an Author feels as if he were dismissing some portion of himself into the shadowy world, when a crowd of the creatures of his brain are going from him for ever. Yet, I had nothing else to tell; unless, indeed, I were to confess (which might be of less moment still), that no one can ever believe this Narrative, in the reading, more than I believed it in the writing.

So true are these avowals at the present day, that I can now only take the reader into one confidence more. Of all my books, I like this the best. It will be easily believed that I am a fond parent to every child of my fancy, and that no one can ever love that family as dearly as I love them. But, like many fond parents, I have in my heart of hearts a favourite child. And his name is DAVID COPPERFIELD. 1869

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Recent Forum Posts on David Copperfield

Emily's Story

Would a contributor be able to tell me what exactly happens to Emily when she runs away with Steerforth? Is this correct: They go abroad. He tires of her. He imprisons her and tries to palm her off onto his servant to be the servant's wife. She escapes. She lives with a peasant woman for a while. She comes to Yarmouth, but does not see any of her family. She goes to London. Mr Peggoty finds her with Martha's help. David and Emily never speak after this time and she emigrates to Austraila. But: Are she and Martha prostitutes? Was Emily pregnant, and did she have a child? How does Rosa Dartle find Emily? How much does Ham know about all this? Thank you.

Posted By Troy Beal at Wed 14 Oct 2009, 12:40 PM in David Copperfield || 0 Replies

What does each character teach David Copperfield?

I need to know what all the main characters teach david copperfield either directly or by example. :sick::crash::bawling:

Posted By lexyt95 at Tue 30 Jun 2009, 3:07 PM in David Copperfield || 1 Reply

What do you think of David Copperfield? (poll)

Here is a daily poll on what you think of David Copperfield. Please vote, and then leave a comment on the board telling what you liked about it. Come on!!! Don't be SHY! ;):lol::D:):crash:

Posted By lexyt95 at Mon 15 Jun 2009, 2:40 PM in David Copperfield || 0 Replies

List of David Copperfield Characters

Here is a complete list of all important and non-important David Copperfield Characters. If you need anything, just message me, im usually on, and I can give anybody any information about David Copperfield. Looooove ya all LOL! ADD ME!!! :lol: David Copperfield – An optimistic, diligent, and persevering character, he is the protagonist. He is later called "Trotwood Copperfield" by some ("David Copperfield" is also the name of the hero's father, who dies before David is born). He has many nicknames: James Steerforth nicknames him "Daisy", Dora calls him "Doady", and his aunt refers to him, as a reference to his would-be sister (if he had been born a girl), as "Trot" - as in Betsey Trotwood Copperfield. Clara Copperfield – David's kind mother, described as being innocently childish, who dies while David is at Salem House. She dies just after the birth of her second child, who dies along with her. Peggotty – The faithful servant of the Copperfield family and a lifelong companion to David (referred to at times as Mrs. Barkis after her marriage to Mr. Barkis). Inherits £3,000—a large sum in the mid-19th century—when Mr. Barkis dies. After his death, she becomes Betsey Trotwood's servant. Betsey Trotwood – David's eccentric and temperamental yet kindhearted great-aunt; she becomes his guardian after he runs away from Grinby and Murdstone's warehouse in Blackfriars (London). She is present on the night of David's birth but leaves after hearing that Clara Copperfield's child is a boy instead of a girl. Mr. Chillip – A shy doctor who assists at David's birth and faces the wrath of Betsey Trotwood after he informs her that Clara's baby is a boy instead of a girl. Mr. Barkis – An aloof carter who declares his intention to marry Peggotty. He says to David: "Tell her, 'Barkis is willin'!' Just so." He is a bit of a miser, and hides his surprisingly vast liquid wealth in a plain box labeled "Old Clothes". He bequeaths to his wife the then astronomical sum of £3,000 when he dies about ten years later. Edward Murdstone – Young David's cruel stepfather, who canes him for falling behind in his studies. David reacts by biting Mr Murdstone, who then sends him to Salem House, the private school owned by his friend Mr. Creakle. After David's mother dies, Mr Murdstone sends him to work in a factory, where he has to clean wine bottles. He appears at Betsey Trotwood's house after David runs away. Mr Murdstone appears to show signs of repentance when confronted with Copperfield's aunt, but later in the book we hear he has married another young woman and applied his old principles of "firmness." Jane Murdstone – Mr. Murdstone's equally cruel sister, who moves into the Copperfield house after Mr. Murdstone marries Clara Copperfield. She is the "Confidential Friend" of David's first wife, Dora Spenlow, and encourages many of the problems that occur between David Copperfield and Dora's father, Mr. Spenlow. Later, she rejoins her brother and his new wife in a relationship very much like the one they had with David's mother. Daniel Peggotty – Peggotty's brother; a humble but generous Yarmouth fisherman who takes his nephew Ham and niece Emily into his custody after each of them has been orphaned. After Emily's departure, he travels around the world in search of her. He eventually finds her in London, and after that they emigrate to Australia. Emily (Little Em'ly) – A niece of Mr. Peggotty. She is a childhood friend of David Copperfield, who loves her in his childhood days. She leaves her cousin and fiancé, Ham, for Steerforth, but returns after Steerforth deserts her. She emigrates to Australia with Mr. Peggotty after being rescued from a London brothel. Ham Peggotty – A good-natured nephew of Mr. Peggotty and the fiancé of Emily before she leaves him for Steerforth. He later loses his life while attempting to rescue a sailor, who happens to be Steerforth, from a shipwreck. His death is hidden from his family due to the fact that David does not want them to worry on the brink of their journey. Mrs. Gummidge – The widow of Daniel Peggotty's partner in a boat. She is a self-described "lone, lorn creetur" who spends much of her time pining for "the old 'un" (her late husband). After Emily runs away from home with Steerforth, she changes her attitude to better comfort everyone around her and tries to be very caring and motherly. She too emigrates to Australia with Dan and the rest of the surviving family. Martha Endell – A young woman of a bad reputation who helps Daniel Peggotty find his niece after she returns to London. She has worked as a prostitute, and been victim to the idea of suicide. Mr. Creakle – The harsh headmaster of young David's boarding school, who is assisted by Tungay. Mr. Creakle is a friend of Mr. Murdstone. He singles out David for extra torment. Later he becomes a Middlesex magistrate, and is considered enlightened for his day. James Steerforth – A close friend of David, he is of a romantic and charming disposition and has known David ever since his first days at Salem House. Although well-liked by most, he proves himself to be lacking in character by seducing and later abandoning Little Em'ly. He eventually drowns at Yarmouth with Ham Peggotty, who had been trying to rescue him. Tommy Traddles – David's friend from Salem House. They meet again later and become eventual lifelong friends. Traddles works hard but faces great obstacles because of his lack of money and connections. He eventually succeeds in making a name and a career for himself. Wilkins Micawber – A gentle man who befriends David as a young boy. He suffers from much financial difficulty and even has to spend time in a debtor's prison. Eventually he emigrates to Australia where he enjoys a successful career as a magistrate. He is based on Dickens' father. Mr. Dick (Richard Babley) – A slightly deranged, rather childish but amiable man who lives with Betsey Trotwood. His madness is amply described in as much as that he claims to have the "trouble" of King Charles I in his head. Dr. Strong – The headmaster of David's Canterbury school, whom he visits on various occasions. Anne Strong – The young wife of Dr. Strong. Although she remains loyal to him, she fears that he suspects that she is involved in an affair with Jack Maldon. Jack Maldon – A cousin and childhood sweetheart of Anne Strong. He continues to bear affection for her and tries to seduce her into leaving Dr. Strong. Mr. Wickfield – The father of Agnes Wickfield and lawyer to Betsey Trotwood. He is prone to alcoholism. Agnes Wickfield – Mr. Wickfield's mature and lovely daughter and close friend of David since childhood. She later becomes David's second wife and mother of their children. Uriah Heep – A wicked young man who serves as partner to Mr. Wickfield. He is finally discovered to have stolen money and is imprisoned as a punishment. He always talks of being "'umble" (humble) and nurtures a deep hatred of David Copperfield and many others. Mrs. Steerforth – The wealthy widowed mother of James Steerforth. She herself is incredibly like her son. Miss Dartle – A strange, vitriolic woman who lives with Mrs. Steerforth. She has a secret love for Steerforth and blames others such as Emily and even Steerforth's own mother for corrupting him. She is described as being extremely skinny and displays a visible scar on her lip caused by Steerforth. She is also Steerforth's cousin. Mr. Spenlow – An employer of David's during his days as a proctor and the father of Dora Spenlow. He dies suddenly of a heart attack while driving his phaeton home. Dora Spenlow – The delightful but naive daughter of Mr. Spenlow who becomes David's first wife. She is described as being impractical and with many similarities to David's mother. She dies of illness on the same day as her dog, Jip.

Posted By lexyt95 at Mon 15 Jun 2009, 1:18 PM in David Copperfield || 2 Replies

I'm Starting David Copperfield today....

Lets read and discuss!!! ..anyone want to join in? I'm a slow reader so I'm shooting for 4 to 5 chapters a week. I'll post my thoughts a couple of time a weekk as I move along. PLEASE join in.

Posted By EasyRead at Sat 27 Dec 2008, 4:26 PM in David Copperfield || 2 Replies

twin motif

Anyone notice the twin motif in Dickens' Copperfield? There's a fairly significant interpretation for twins in psychology, but the examples are especially important for our modern individual psychology in authors like Twain, Dostoyevsky, Poe, and Guy de Maupassant. I found it curious that Dickens used it with the ancient symbolism. regards, Doug

Posted By mounce at Fri 27 Jun 2008, 11:41 AM in David Copperfield || 1 Reply

A simple question about Emily

Emily is one important character in the novel. My question is Why it is spelled Em'ly rather than the proper spelling Emily? I have read Through the whole story and guess it has something with British accent. But why in other places it is still spelled Em'ly? Looking foreward to an early reply.

Posted By jeffrey at Thu 29 May 2008, 8:50 AM in David Copperfield || 1 Reply

Which edition of David Copperfield?

I will be reading david Copperfield soon. I have one by PENGUIN CLASSICS. and another by MODERN LIBRARY CLASSICS. Which edition should I read? Or both are equally good?

Posted By ravilobo at Mon 12 May 2008, 9:51 AM in David Copperfield || 0 Replies

the analysis of David Copperfield

I have just finished reading the fiction or, to some extent, the autobiography of Dickens, which makes me soundly lose myself in it. As we all know, many different themes can be found in a classic novel, which depends on the way one comprehends it. Here I just explain two of the themes revealed by David Copperfield: how greed destroys humanity ,and what real love is. As for the former one, the destruction is obvious and horrible, as evidenced by the fall of Uriah Heep. With the hope to improve his quality of life, and the greed for power and fortune, he, who had been pretending to be a loyal assistant of Mr. Wickfield until Mr. Micawber exposed his wickedness, took advantage of Mr. Wickfield’s weakness for beer to harm his state, and, what was worse, he ruined his reputation. However, wicked as Uriah was, he must have been as innocent as David when he was a baby. It was the thirst for power, fortune and status that twisted his mind and eventually sent him to prison. Actually, greed and selfishness are the inherent weaknesses of humanity, but they are exaggerated in such a dim society. And there are three characters serving to explain the latter point. Apparently, they are Emily, Dora and Agnes: Emily was fascinated with Steerforth’s handsome appearance, gentle word and large fortune, so that she left honest Ham; Dora was too young to bear any duties attached to love, and had no courage to face reality; Agnes, who was mature and angelic, reasonable and romantic, was the only perfect girl in David’s mind in the end. Therefore, we can conclude that real love is a compound of trust, encouragement, support, responsibility and romance, as Dickens told us in the novel. I believe, if we manage to get rid of greed, we will choose a correct way to go through the forest of life; and if we understand real love and fortunately get it, brilliant sunshine will then be cast over the path and the air will be full of the pleasant smell of the sunlight. P.S. i'm very glad to accept anyone's opinion on the book, and have a discuss with him or her.:thumbs_up

Posted By jingfeng1905 at Sun 27 Apr 2008, 4:12 AM in David Copperfield || 1 Reply

Prophetic Pins

I just began this book and I'm stuck. I have to know everything there is to know about the superstition of the pins before I can move on. I've looked on the web, and found nothing helpful. I can guess it has something to do with foretelling something about a baby in utero, perhaps gender or health or fate. Guessing or getting the gist of it doesn't make it for me. And I see a few pages later that "Bless the baby!" is an appropriate sentiment connected to, not just pins, but pincushions. (OK, it isn't the seemingly haphazard arrangement of loose pins in a drawer, as I had originally thought.) But what else? When and how did the superstition originate? What was a pregnant woman in 1812 supposed to do with her pins? What was she supposed to look for? What were all the potential omens, signs, and readings? What would an 1850 reader, completely familiar with this superstition, have known? Thanks.

Posted By alansquire at Fri 1 Feb 2008, 10:20 AM in David Copperfield || 1 Reply

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