David Copperfield

David Copperfield – Charles Dickens
Series: Standalone
Genre: Classic Literature • Bildungsroman • Autobiographical Fiction
 
Tropes:
Coming-of-age journey from hardship to maturity
Social critique of Victorian England
Mentor and family influences shaping the protagonist
 
Summary:
David Copperfield follows the life of its eponymous hero from infancy to adulthood, chronicling his personal growth, struggles, and triumphs. Inspired in part by Dickens’s own life, the novel blends autobiography with imaginative invention, capturing the challenges and moral lessons of Victorian society.
David’s early life is marked by loss, neglect, and adversity, yet through perseverance, education, and the support of key mentors and family members, he navigates a path toward social and emotional maturity. Along the way, Dickens offers sharp commentary on the injustices and inequities of his era, from child labor and education to class, marriage, and the criminal justice system.
A rich tapestry of vivid characters and intricate storytelling, David Copperfield is celebrated as one of Dickens’s greatest works, balancing personal growth with social observation and enduring literary artistry.