Summary:
David Copperfield by Charles Dickens is a semi-autobiographical novel that follows the life journey of David Copperfield, from childhood to adulthood, exploring themes of perseverance, personal growth, and social class.
David is born orphaned of his father and raised by his loving mother and their servant Peggotty. However, his life takes a dark turn when his mother marries the cruel Mr. Murdstone, who sends David to a harsh boarding school. After his mother’s death, David is forced to work in a bottle-washing factory, experiencing extreme hardship.
Escaping to his wealthy Aunt Betsey Trotwood, David receives an education and begins his career in law. Along the way, he encounters memorable characters such as Mr. Micawber, the deceitful Uriah Heep, and his childlike first wife Dora Spenlow. After Dora’s untimely death, David matures and finds true love with Agnes Wickfield.
The novel is a tale of self-discovery, resilience, and morality, highlighting Dickens’s critique of social injustice, class struggles, and personal ambition.
MCQs:
- Who is the protagonist of David Copperfield?
A) Uriah Heep
B) Mr. Micawber
C) David Copperfield
D) Peggotty
Answer: C) David Copperfield - Who is David’s cruel stepfather?
A) Mr. Wickfield
B) Mr. Micawber
C) Mr. Murdstone
D) Mr. Peggotty
Answer: C) Mr. Murdstone - What happens to David’s mother?
A) She moves to Australia
B) She remarries happily
C) She dies after marrying Mr. Murdstone
D) She becomes a businesswoman
Answer: C) She dies after marrying Mr. Murdstone - Where does David work as a child after leaving school?
A) A bank
B) A lawyer’s office
C) A factory washing bottles
D) A shipyard
Answer: C) A factory washing bottles - Who helps David escape from his harsh life?
A) Uriah Heep
B) Aunt Betsey Trotwood
C) Mr. Micawber
D) Mr. Wickfield
Answer: B) Aunt Betsey Trotwood - Who is the main antagonist in David Copperfield?
A) Mr. Micawber
B) Uriah Heep
C) Tommy Traddles
D) Steerforth
Answer: B) Uriah Heep - Who does David marry first?
A) Agnes Wickfield
B) Emily
C) Dora Spenlow
D) Miss Mowcher
Answer: C) Dora Spenlow - How does Uriah Heep manipulate people?
A) Through kindness and generosity
B) By forging documents and fraud
C) By working hard and honestly
D) Through violence and threats
Answer: B) By forging documents and fraud - Who does David marry at the end of the novel?
A) Dora Spenlow
B) Agnes Wickfield
C) Peggotty
D) Emily
Answer: B) Agnes Wickfield - What is one of the major themes of David Copperfield?
A) The dangers of war
B) The importance of wealth in happiness
C) Perseverance and personal growth
D) The supernatural
Answer: C) Perseverance and personal growth
Question | Answer |
Book Name | David Copperfield |
Author | Charles Dickens |
Year Published | 1850 |
Genre | Bildungsroman (Coming-of-Age Novel) |
Setting | 19th-century England |
Main Themes | Perseverance, Social Class, Personal Growth, Injustice |
Main Characters | David Copperfield, Mr. Micawber, Uriah Heep, Agnes Wickfield, Dora Spenlow, Aunt Betsey Trotwood |
Symbolism | David’s journey (self-discovery), Uriah Heep (deception), Aunt Betsey (protection and independence) |
Literary Significance | Considered Dickens’s most autobiographical novel, highlighting social issues and class struggles |