David Copperfield Summary Flashcards

Questions and Answers

What does David remember after waking up the next morning?

Weird burden of guilt

Who does Miss Murdstone come in with?

A letter

A friend

Dinner (correct)

A gift

David is allowed to speak to anyone during his five days of isolation.

False

What does Peggotty assure David will happen before he is sent away?

He will see his mother in the morning Signup and view all the answers

What feeling does David have for Peggotty after their parting?

Deep affection Signup and view all the answers

What is Mr. Barkis's role in David's journey?

A carrier Signup and view all the answers

What does David offer Mr. Barkis?

A piece of cake Signup and view all the answers

What do the waiters at the inn do to David?

Steal his food Signup and view all the answers

David is picked up by an expected person at the inn in Whitechapel.

False Signup and view all the answers

What does David think of the music played by Mr. Mell?

Awful, sad, and dismal Signup and view all the answers

What does Mr. Creakle use to instil fear in the boys?

A stick Signup and view all the answers

Steerforth is highly regarded by the other boys.

True Signup and view all the answers

What does David feel guilty about after Mr. Mell's departure?

His role in Mr. Mell's firing Signup and view all the answers

Who visits David unexpectedly at the school?

Mr. Peggotty and his nephew, Ham Signup and view all the answers

David does not show any emotional response upon seeing Mr. Peggotty.

False Signup and view all the answers

What does Dickens express in the preface of David Copperfield?

Regret and pleasure at the completion of the novel Signup and view all the answers

When is David Copperfield born?

On a Friday at 12:00 AM Signup and view all the answers

David Copperfield was born with a caul.

True Signup and view all the answers

Who is David's father's aunt?

Betsey Trotwood Signup and view all the answers

David's mother is dressed in ______ when Miss Betsey arrives.

black Signup and view all the answers

What does Miss Betsey think about Mr. Copperfield's character?

He names a place the Rookery without proof of birds. Signup and view all the answers

What is Mrs. Copperfield worried about when David is taking a trip with Peggotty?

David's safety Signup and view all the answers

What does David feel about Mr. Murdstone?

He dislikes him. Signup and view all the answers

Miss Murdstone takes charge of the household affairs.

True Signup and view all the answers

What does David do to escape from his gloomy home life?

He reads his father's collection of novels. Signup and view all the answers

Mr. Murdstone thinks whipping is ______ for discipline.

good Signup and view all the answers

What is Mrs. Copperfield's response to the way Mr. Murdstone treats David?

She weakly protests. Signup and view all the answers

What does Maldon promise to do regarding Mr. Wickfield?

He'll do whatever Mr. Wickfield arranges for him. Signup and view all the answers

Who does Mr. Wickfield ask David to stay for?

Both Mr. Wickfield and Agnes Signup and view all the answers

Uriah Heep thinks of himself as a great lawyer.

False Signup and view all the answers

What does Uriah Heep say about his mother?

She is also 'umble'. Signup and view all the answers

What does Mr. Peggotty ask David to let Peggotty know?

David is doing well. Signup and view all the answers

How does David feel about Doctor Strong's school in comparison to Mr. Creakle's school?

He loves it. Signup and view all the answers

Who does David ask about when he meets Mr. Peggotty?

His mother, Peggotty, Emily, and Mrs. Gummidge. Signup and view all the answers

Who does Doctor Strong marry?

Annie. Signup and view all the answers

David is excited about spending the winter holidays at home.

False Signup and view all the answers

Annie seems to be afraid of Mr. Wickfield.

True Signup and view all the answers

Who celebrates a farewell party at Doctor Strong's house?

Jack Maldon Signup and view all the answers

Who does David tell Mr. Barkis has not answered him?

Peggotty. Signup and view all the answers

What does Mrs. Copperfield do when David returns home?

She embraces David and is happy. Signup and view all the answers

Mrs. Copperfield is feeling well and energetic.

False Signup and view all the answers

What does Peggotty promise Mrs. Copperfield?

She will never leave her. Signup and view all the answers

What is Miss Murdstone's opinion about David's behavior?

He is sulky and sullen. Signup and view all the answers

What happens to Peggotty after the funeral?

She receives 30 days notice from Miss Murdstone. Signup and view all the answers

David feels neglected when he returns to the Rookery.

True Signup and view all the answers

What job is David given at Murdstone & Grinby's?

He becomes a worker at the wine warehouse. Signup and view all the answers

Who does Mr. Barkis express his intentions to marry?

Mrs. Copperfield Signup and view all the answers

Who teaches David his job at the warehouse?

Mick Walker Signup and view all the answers

What is Mr. Micawber's relationship to David?

His landlord Signup and view all the answers

David feels a strong attachment to his old school friends.

False Signup and view all the answers

What does Mrs. Micawber constantly do that startles David?

Breast-feeding the twins Signup and view all the answers

How does David describe his financial situation while living with the Micawbers?

He has absolutely no hope Signup and view all the answers

David regularly visits the pawnshop to sell items for Mr. Micawber.

True Signup and view all the answers

What event leads to Mr. Micawber being arrested?

Inability to pay debts Signup and view all the answers

Match the following characters with their roles:

Mick Walker = David's teacher at the warehouse Mr. Micawber = David's landlord Mrs. Micawber = Mr. Micawber's wife The Orfling = The rescued girl living with the Micawbers Signup and view all the answers

What does David offer to lend Mrs. Micawber?

Some of his money Signup and view all the answers

David leaves the Micawber household feeling happy and secure.

False Signup and view all the answers

What motivates David to run away from the warehouse?

His desire to find Aunt Betsey Signup and view all the answers

How does David feel about his financial situation?

Desperate and hopeless Signup and view all the answers

What does Miss Betsey do when David first meets her?

Tells him to go away Signup and view all the answers

Miss Betsey is warm and welcoming when David first approaches her.

False Signup and view all the answers

Who does Miss Betsey ask to come downstairs after she meets David?

Mr. Dick Signup and view all the answers

What does Miss Betsey instruct Janet to do?

Heat the bath. Signup and view all the answers

What does David think of Mr. Dick?

He seems childish and strange. Signup and view all the answers

Miss Betsey is possessive of her green patch of land.

True Signup and view all the answers

What does Miss Betsey do while she drives away the donkeys?

Feeds David spoonfuls of broth. Signup and view all the answers

What does Miss Betsey want to know about Mrs. Copperfield's marriage?

Why she got married again. Signup and view all the answers

What does David promise to call Mr. Dick?

Mr. Dick. Signup and view all the answers

What is Mr. Dick's real name?

Mr. Richard Babley. Signup and view all the answers

What does Mr. Dick ask David about King Charles I?

The year he was beheaded Signup and view all the answers

Miss Betsey wants to change David's name to ______.

Trotwood Copperfield. Signup and view all the answers

Who does Miss Betsey ask for advice regarding David's school?

Mr. Wickfield. Signup and view all the answers

David feels comfortable at Mr. Wickfield's home.

True Signup and view all the answers

What is Miss Betsey's primary motivation for enrolling David in school?

To make him happy and useful Signup and view all the answers

Who is David's new principal?

Doctor Strong. Signup and view all the answers

What does Jack Maldon say about Doctor Strong?

He disrespects him. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Preface

Dickens expresses mixed feelings about completing "David Copperfield," feeling both pleasure and regret.
The novel took two years to finish, and Dickens has grown attached to the characters.
David Copperfield is Dickens's favorite character among all his creations.

Chapter I: I Am Born

David Copperfield is born on a Friday at midnight, sparking predictions of bad luck and ghost sighting abilities.
He is born with a caul, indicating a link to supernatural beliefs.
David's father passed away six months prior to his birth; his wealthy great aunt, Betsey Trotwood, plays a significant role.

Chapter I: Family Dynamics

Betsey Trotwood returns to her maiden title after her husband's death in India, rejecting David's mother whom she considers unsuitable.
Mrs. Copperfield is described as young and childlike, mourning her husband's death while being pregnant.

Meeting with Miss Betsey

Betsey visits on the day of David’s birth; her harsh remarks about the Rookery irritate Mrs. Copperfield.
Betsey insists on naming the child Betsey Trotwood Copperfield if it's a girl and promises to be involved in the child's upbringing.

David’s Early Childhood Memories

Some of David's first memories include his mother, Peggotty (the housekeeper), and their home.
David recalls his childhood home with an empty pigeon house and graveyard imagery that shapes his perceptions.

Introduction of Mr. Murdstone

Mr. Murdstone is introduced as a menacing figure, influencing Mrs. Copperfield and taking a role in David's life.
David feels an instinctual distrust towards Mr. Murdstone and later learns the seriousness of his intentions regarding his mother.

Journey to Yarmouth

David travels to Yarmouth with Peggotty, finding joy in the visit, meeting Peggotty’s family and beginning to understand their dynamics.
Mr. Peggotty is kind-hearted and has taken in orphans, providing a sense of belonging for David.

Emily and David’s Bond

David develops a childhood affection for Emily, seeing her as an angel, yet grappling with the themes of love and longing.

Mrs. Gummidge’s Character

Mrs. Gummidge is introduced as a self-pitying widow who stirs tension within the Peggotty household, reflecting broader themes of loneliness and sacrifice.

Return to the Rookery

Returning home, David discovers Mr. Murdstone has married his mother, leading to changes in the household that deeply affect David.
The once welcoming home becomes a place of fear under Mr. Murdstone’s influence.

Chapter IV: I Fall Into Disgrace

David feels overwhelmed by his mother’s marriage and struggles with intense emotional distress.
Mr. Murdstone’s oppressive nature begins to manifest through psychological and physical abuse, altering the household dynamics permanently.

Isolation and Punishment

David is subjected to isolation as a punishment, deepening his feelings of abandonment.
His connection with Peggotty becomes a central emotional anchor, showcasing themes of loyalty and maternal affection.

The Transition to Boarding School

David learns he will be sent to boarding school, marking a significant new chapter in his life.
Despite the turmoil, he feels affection for Peggotty, who promises to look after his mother while he is away.### Chapter 5: I Am Sent Away From Home
David seeks forgiveness from Mrs. Copperfield, who appears upset and believes he has wronged Mr. Murdstone.
Mrs. Copperfield expresses disappointment in David's behavior and informs him he will attend school to improve.
Peggotty braves the journey to say goodbye, giving David a purse filled with money and a heartfelt note.
David weeps realizing he's being sent away, feeling isolated on the cart ride to Yarmouth with Mr. Barkis.

Chapter 6: I Enlarge My Circle of Acquaintance

David meets Mr. Mell, a teacher at Salem House, who comes to fetch him from the inn.
They stop for breakfast at an elderly woman's meager apartment; Mr. Mell plays an awful tune on the flute.
David, feeling disheartened, arrives at Salem House during the holidays when the school is deserted.
He discovers a sign warning others that he “bites,” lowering his confidence and creating paranoia about how others perceive him.

Chapter 7: My 'First Half' at Salem House

The return of Mr. Creakle and students highlights David's fear; Creakle's intimidating demeanor is noted.
Mr. Creakle is described as a tyrant, asserting his brutal authority over the boys.
New students like Tommy Traddles and James Steerforth begin to emerge, introducing camaraderie despite the oppressive environment.
David, though anxious, gains esteem with Steerforth, who shows initial kindness, contrasting Mr. Creakle's cruelty.

Chapter 8: My Holidays, Especially One Happy Afternoon

David returns home, filled with nostalgia for joyful moments with his mother and Peggotty.
He finds his mother with a new baby, feeling a moment of completeness and joy before observing her anxious demeanor.
The arrival of Mr. and Miss Murdstone creates an ominous atmosphere, highlighting the family’s unsettled dynamics.
Peggotty’s laughter at Mr. Barkis’s proposal offers a moment of levity, but Mrs. Copperfield's demeanor raises concern about her state of mind.

Key Themes and Dynamics

The contrast between David’s innocence and the harsh realities of adulthood is evident throughout his journey.
Relationships with authority figures like Mr. Creakle and Mr. Murdstone shape David's experience in school.
The support from characters like Steerforth and Peggotty highlights moments of kindness against a backdrop of cruelty.
Themes of familial obligation and emotional turmoil shape the challenges David faces, especially in regard to his mother’s situation.### David's Family Dynamics and Challenges
Mrs. Copperfield and Peggotty reconcile, emphasizing their friendship amid tensions with the Murdstones.
The Murdstones return, enforcing strict rules, including early bedtimes for David to avoid family conflict.
David's apology to Mr. Murdstone remains overshadowed by Miss Murdstone's coldness and disdain for him.

David's Isolation and Sadness

David feels increasingly isolated and unwelcome at the Rookery, contributing to his emotional distress.
His mother's newfound joy upon the baby’s arrival is overshadowed by Miss Murdstone's objection to David’s presence.
David’s experience of shame due to the Murdstones leads him to withdraw and remain unnoticed.

Funeral and Grief

The tragic news of Mrs. Copperfield’s death and the illness of David's baby brother transforms David into an orphan.
David attends his mother's funeral, where he is confronted with both support from Peggotty and coldness from the Murdstones.
Memories of his mother are fond but clouded by her suffering before her death.

Aftermath of Loss

Following the funeral, Miss Murdstone dismisses Peggotty, worsening David's loneliness.
David is informed he will not return to school and suffers from neglect at the hands of the Murdstones.
The Murdstones manipulate David, reinforcing their authority while isolating him from support.

Shift to Work Life

At age ten, David is forced into a working life at Murdstone & Grinby's wine warehouse, marking a significant loss of childhood.
David’s responsibilities at the warehouse include handling, labeling, and packing empty bottles, a stark contrast to his previous life.

Introducing New Characters

Quinion, Mr. Murdstone's associate, and Mr. Micawber, David's new landlord, represent different facets of adult society.
The Micawbers, despite their financial struggles, become figures of solace for David due to their shared hardships.

Struggling with Poverty

David’s youthful innocence allows him to enjoy simple pleasures, but soon, financial struggles impact his daily life.
He feels a connection with the Micawbers, both experiencing hardships, fostering a sense of camaraderie.

Mrs. Micawber's frequent complaints highlight the struggles faced under financial duress, contributing to the chaotic family environment.
Mr. Micawber’s arrest for debt shows the harsh realities of the era’s financial system and its consequences.

Adaptation to Circumstances

David’s move to a small room near the prison symbolizes his ongoing attachment to the Micawbers and solidarity amid difficulties.
Life at the warehouse continues to drain David, yet he finds comfort in the stability provided by the Micawber family within the prison confines.

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Explore the key points of David Copperfield with these flashcards summarizing each section, starting from the preface. Understand Dickens' reflections on completing his beloved novel, which took two years of dedicated work. This quiz will enhance your comprehension of the text and its themes.