Charles Dickens

David Copperfield - Book The Second Charles Dickens

David Copperfield is a semi-autobiographical novel by British writer Charles Dickens, published 1849-50. A sentimental story of an orphan's struggles. It deals with the sufferings of young David after his mother's death, through the cruel treatment of his stepfather, schoolmasters, and employers.

The hypocritical Uriah Heep is one of the book's many memorable characters. David&rsquo's life is changed by the people he meets throughout his life. They help him to mature, and to learn from his many mistakes. There are times his naivete overwhelms him. But, through his friendships, David is able to deal with his foibles and recover. The number of times he is exploited is amazing. When he is sent away to boarding school his first friends are the angel, Tommy Traddles, who befriends him and helps him make more friends, and the devil, James Steerforth, who is charming but, uses David to expand his own popularity.

David meets Mr, Micawber, who is kind and happy, although poor. Mr. Micawber has strong opinions on politics but is such a cheerful drunk, he makes everyone around him happy. Although Micawber exploits others financially, somehow David knows not to give him money. Another person who helps David when he is in dire need is his eccentric aunt, Betsy Trotwood. Although she rejected him at birth, she becomes a surrogate mother to him when she becomes aware of the cruelty of his stepfather. Through the kindness and help of these people, David matures to become a successful writer.

Along that road, he will go up against many obstacles. There is Uriah Heep, a true villain. He abuses and blackmails throughout his relationship with David, yet, David&rsquo's naivete doesn't come into play with Uriah. David doesn't trust him from the beginning, and therefore the only person Uriah doesn't exploit is David. In the end, David marries the woman he was destined for, becomes a successful writer, and lives happily ever after.