Essay on Charles Dickens's David Copperfield
In 1849, Dickens began to write David Copperfield, a novel based on his early life experiences.
David Copperfield is the common name of the eighth novel by Charles Dickens, first published as a novel in 1850. It was also first published under the title The Personal History, Adventures, Experience and Observation of David Copperfield the Younger of Blunderstone Rookery. It is hardly ever called by its full name. This isn't only because the original title is so long, but also because David Copperfield is one of many nineteenth century novels that focus on the life and times of one character. What's really important about this title is that it tells us who the hero of the novel is: David Copperfield. In the preface to the 1867 edition, Dickens wrote, "...like many fond parents, I have in my heart of hearts a favourite child.
Bleak House where Dickens wrote David Copperfield ...
Dickens at the Blacking Warehouse. Charles Dickens...
English: Cover of serial, "David Copperfield" by C...And his name is David Copperfield. Many critics consider the novel to be one of his best depictions of childhood.
Even though the novel is an autobiographical novel, it differs from Charles Dickens's own life in some key ways. Dickens had a really painful early life. His father was thrown into debtors prison in 1822 in London, and young Dickens was sent to work at a blacking factory (where boot polish is bottled and labeled for sale) when he was ten years old. In 1824, tiny Dickens was rescued from the factory and sent to the Wellington Academy in North London, but the school was abusive and awful, and he left in 1826 at the age of 14. Dickens went on to work as a law clerk and then journalist, slowly clawing his way to fame and fortune (source: "Introduction" to David Copperfield. Edited by E.K. Brown. New York: Random...