(855) 4-ESSAYS

Type a new keyword(s) and press Enter to search

David Copperfield


Don't say "Oh, Davy, Davy!" That's childish."" (Dickens 49). Mr. Murdstone piles firmness upon Clara, intimidates her, and breaks her down to her death. Miss Betsey Trotwood clearly explains to the readers what Mr. Murdstone is, while she is still indecisive about what to do with David, " "Mr. Murdstone," she said, shaking her finger at him, "you were a tyrant to the simple baby, and you broke her heart. She was a lovely baby- I know that; I knew it year before you ever saw her- and through the best part of her weakness you gave her the wounds she died of. There is the truth for your comfort, however you like it. And you and your instruments may make the most of it."" (Dickens 197). It is obvious to the reader as well as the characters in the story how Mr. Murdstone mentally abused Clara. Dickens had a very strong opinion against abuse. His experience with this predicament actually derived from his school days, where he was caned.
             David Copperfield entered into the world of education. His headmaster, Mr. Creakle, caned students, sometimes for necessary discipline, sometimes for no reason at all. " he rules a ciphering-book for another victim whose hands have just been flattened by that identical ruler, and who is trying to wipe the sting out with a pocket-handkerchief. I have plenty to do. I don't watch his eye in idleness, but because I am morbidly attracted to it, in a dread desire to know what he will do next, and whether it will be my turn to suffer, or somebody else's," "An unhappy culprit, found guilty of imperfect exercise, approaches at his command. The culprit falters excuses, and professes a determination to do better to-morrow. Mr. Creakle cuts a joke before he beats him and we laugh at it- miserable little dogs, we laugh- (Dickens 83). This portrays the way Dickens felt about school and how the education system was. He openly discusses the realities and calls sympathy from his readers.


Essays Related to David Copperfield


Got a writing question? Ask our professional writer!
Submit My Question