by Sarah Murray

Created on: March 31, 2009

David Copperfield is told from the first person narrative of the character himself, the story spanning from his early childhood to his adult years. David's father dies before he was born and his mother later remarried the villainous Mr Murdstone. His relationship with his step father was extremely violent and he was subsequently sent away to boarding school after biting him. The boarding school, Salem House, was just as ruthless as his home, although he does befriend James Steerforth and Tommy Traddles, both of whom he meets again later on in his life.

His mother has another son, but both die soon after the birth, leaving David in sole custody of Mr Murdstone who sets him to work immediately in the factory that he owns. Once his landlord, Micawber is thrown into debtors prison, David decides to search for his only surviving relative, Betsey Trotwood, his fathers sister. He is once again sent to school and moves in with Mr Wickfield and his daughter. Among Wickfield's boarders is Uriah Heep, a snakelike young man who often involves himself in matters that are none of his business. Once at leaving age, he travels to visit Peggotty, his old nurse and reflects on what career he should pursue. As his mind is made up with being a proctor, his apprenticeship with Spenlow and Jorkins allow him to fall in love with Dora, Spenlows daughter.

Another thread weaving itself within the novel is the story of Little Em'ly. She is originally engaged to Ham but runs away with Steerforth, who seduces and dishonors her. She runs away but is eventually found with the help of her childhood school friend Martha. Little Em'ly and Mr. Peggotty decide to move to Australia, as do the Micawbers. Ham dies after trying to rescue a sailor at sea during a storm, the sailor turning out to be Steerforth himself.

Copperfield marries Dora after her father dies, even though he originally forbade her to marry him. However, she turn out to an appalling housewife, even so Copperfield continues their marriage but she dies shortly after miscarrying their child. Once he has left the country and travelled, he realizes he loves Agnes, who also harboured a secret love for Copperfield. They marry, and find true happiness with each other and their several children.

Dickens novel is truly wrought with many stories, all intertwined and connected. It can sometimes seem that it almost impossible to decipher and understand who is who.

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