David Copperfield: Analysis and Summary PDF

Plot Summary David goes from a happy, carefree existence to one of oppression when his mother marries again. He's sent to school, where he meets his friends. When his mother dies, David is made to work in a wine factory, until he runs away to his aunt, who sends him to another school to learn how to...

Plot Summary David goes from a happy, carefree existence to one of oppression when his mother marries again. He's sent to school, where he meets his friends. When his mother dies, David is made to work in a wine factory, until he runs away to his aunt, who sends him to another school to learn how to become a gentleman. He makes more friends and falls in love, but hard times fall on those he loves. His aunt and his friends lose their money to a slimy fraud who also interferes in the business of his headmaster. His nanny Peggotty's family, whom David has always loved, is being torn apart by one of his school friends. David's wife dies as a result of a miscarriage. In the end, everything is resolved. The money is returned; Peggotty's family sets out on a new adventure; David remarries, to his friend Agnes, and begins his new career as a writer. Character Analysis David, the main character, is kind-hearted and believes the best in everyone. However, he tends to run away from his problems. He lets others, such as his Aunt Betsey, solve his troubles for him. He makes friends, but doesn't always see their dangerous characteristics, such as his friend Steerforth's selfish nature, or his wife Dora's immaturity. David is devoted to the people in his life and is devastated when Dora dies. He again runs away, but when he returns, he realizes that he loves Agnes and marries her. They have a family and David becomes a successful writer. Peggotty is David's nanny, and he's devoted to her throughout his life. He meets her family: her brother, Mr. Peggotty, and his adopted children, Ham and Emily. She marries and sees David as often as she can. Peggotty is the maternal figure in David's life after his mother dies and he's left with Mr. Murdstone, his cruel stepfather. Steerforth is one of the friends that David meets at school, along with Tommy Traddles. Despite David believing the best of him, Steerforth is, at his core, selfish and elitist. He tears apart Peggotty's family when he runs off with Emily. He drowns at sea with Ham when a sudden storm swamps his boat at Yarmouth. Aunt Betsey is another maternal figure in David's life. She takes him in and sends him to school, providing for all his needs. Aunt Betsey encourages David to be a proctor (lawyer), and she comes to David when all of her money is stolen. She eventually gets it back. Dora Spenlow is the daughter of Mr. Spenlow, David's boss. He falls in love with her almost at first sight. Mr. Spenlow isn't exactly friendly to the idea of the marriage, but is killed in an accident, making that a moot point. David and Dora marry. David is dissatisfied at first, due to Dora's immaturity and lack of skills in being a housewife. They work through their differences, but Dora suffers a miscarriage and dies shortly afterwards. Agnes Wickfield is the daughter of Mr. Wickfield, whom David boards with and who handles all of Aunt Betsey's money. She's considered angelic and pure, and her father is very careful with whomever she associates. She is always a good friend to David, who realizes he loves her after Dora's death. They marry and have a family. Uriah Heep is the main antagonist in David Copperfield. Heep pretends to be from a low background to gain the confidence of those around him and utilizes what he learns to manipulate people, including Mr. Wickfield. David's friend Mr. Micawber finds out that Heep stole the money from Mr. Wickfield and Aunt Betsey. Heep ends up in jail on another fraud charge. Themes There are various themes pertaining to characterization in David Copperfield. The most prevalent theme is the difference in class among various characters and how it pertains to their morality. Uriah Heep pretends to be someone from the lower class who has worked his way up, and he utilizes that to commit fraud. David becomes friends with Steerforth, who is from the upper class, but it quickly becomes clear that Steerforth is selfish and vain, caring only about himself and his pleasures. Another theme is how family comes through for each other when needed. When David is in trouble, he runs to Aunt Betsey, and she takes care of him. Mr. Peggotty searches everywhere for Emily after she runs away. Lesson Summary David Copperfield details the life of a young man who finds happiness in the people around him. He struggles through points in his life, but always manages to find the best in each situation. David falls in love and ends up happy with Agnes and their children.