David Copperfield

David Copperfield (1849), written at a prosperous and content time in Dickens life, became the fictional account of his life story - a romantic autobiography charting the young man's evolution from his troubled formative years to an affluent and happy adulthood. Once again, issues of class and the differences between public and private standards (represented in the corruption of the wealthy and brilliant Steerforth) are studied, and the power and exploitation of the industrial world are exposed and damned, Classic Dickensian characters here include Mr Murdstone, Copperfield's evil guardian and owner of the wine-bottling factory where David makes his living under appalling conditions; the snake-like Uriah Heap who's vanity leads him to cruelty; Mr Micawber, one of literature's funniest characters and the kind, generous Peggottys, representing all that is good, even in the face of adversity. Little Em'ly provides an ill-treated character with whom the reader can sympathise. This was Dicken's favourite novel.