# David Copperfield

> 1849–1850 novel by Charles Dickens

**Wikidata**: [Q189811](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q189811)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/David_Copperfield)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/david-copperfield-q189811

## Summary
*David Copperfield* is an 1849–1850 novel by Charles Dickens, often considered his most autobiographical work. It follows the life of the protagonist David Copperfield from childhood to adulthood, depicting his struggles, triumphs, and personal growth. The novel is renowned for its vivid characterizations, social commentary, and exploration of themes such as family, education, and self-discovery.

## Key Facts
- **Author**: Charles Dickens (1812–1870)
- **Publication Dates**: Serialized from 1849 to 1850, published as a complete novel in 1850
- **Genre**: Autobiographical novel, Bildungsroman
- **Country of Origin**: United Kingdom
- **Publisher**: Bradbury and Evans
- **Original Title**: *David Copperfield or The Personal History, Adventures, Experience and Observation of David Copperfield the Younger of Blunderstone Rookery (Which He Never Meant to Publish on Any Account)*
- **Protagonist**: David Copperfield, a fictional character based on Dickens' own experiences
- **Notable Characters**: Uriah Heep, Mr. Micawber, Agnes Wickfield, Dora Spenlow
- **Inspiration**: Dickens' own childhood, including his father's imprisonment in a debtors' prison
- **Format**: Initially serialized in periodicals, later published as a complete book
- **Awards**: No formal awards, but widely regarded as a literary masterpiece
- **Legacy**: Adapted into films, television series, and stage productions; remains a classic of English literature
- **Structured Properties**:
  - P18: Cover image (Copperfield cover serial.jpg)
  - P214: VIAF ID (178212527)
  - P227: ISBN (4259699-3)
  - P244: LCCN (n80040171)
  - P268: BNF ID (11952671j)
  - P269: OCLC ID (027500705)
  - P373: Author's name (Charles Dickens)
  - P435: MusicBrainz work ID (8720113e-f245-44b7-9312-8263ac960961)
  - P646: Freebase ID (/m/0g_b_)
  - P648: Open Library ID (OL10322056W)
  - P935: Author's name (Charles Dickens)
  - P950: BNE ID (XX1949449)
  - P1085: Library of Congress Control Number (6598215)
  - P1296: LibraryThing work ID (0021617)
  - P1417: Wikidata topic (topic/David-Copperfield-novel)
  - P1476: Full title (*David Copperfield or The Personal History, Adventures, Experience and Observation of David Copperfield the Younger of Blunderstone Rookery (Which He Never Meant to Publish on Any Account)*)
  - P1617: Babelio ID (45363b59-6814-41f1-823a-e46bf34b92bf)
  - P1922: Opening line (*"Whether I shall turn out to be the hero of my own life, or whether that station will be held by anybody else, these pages must show."*)
  - P2034: Number of pages (766)
  - P3959: OCLC numbers (001323726, 002660354, etc.)
  - P4342: French Wikidata ID (David_Copperfield_-_roman)
  - P6221: Goodreads ID (73388)
  - P7439: Library of Congress Classification (154653)
  - P7574: PlayDB ID (Play/598)
  - P8189: BNE ID (987007585853505171)
  - P8313: French Wikidata ID (David_Copperfield)
  - P8383: Library of Congress Control Number (4711940)
  - P9818: Library of Congress Classification (40441)
  - **Genre**: Autobiographical novel, Bildungsroman
  - **Follows**: *The Pickwick Papers* (1837)
  - **Followed by**: *Dombey and Son* (1848)
  - **Country of Origin**: United Kingdom
  - **Sitelink Count**: 66 (Wikipedia articles in multiple languages)

## FAQs
**What is the main theme of *David Copperfield*?**
The novel explores themes of personal growth, family relationships, and social mobility, using the protagonist's journey from childhood to adulthood as a lens to examine Victorian society. Dickens' semi-autobiographical approach allows readers to reflect on their own lives and experiences.

**Who are the most memorable characters in *David Copperfield*?**
Key characters include David Copperfield, Uriah Heep (a morally corrupt character), Mr. Micawber (an optimistic but unreliable figure), Agnes Wickfield (David's love interest), and Dora Spenlow (a complex and tragic character). Each character embodies different aspects of Victorian life and morality.

**How did Dickens structure the novel?**
Dickens initially published *David Copperfield* as a serialized novel, which allowed him to build suspense and engage readers over time. The complete book version later provided a cohesive narrative, though some readers preferred the serialized format for its dramatic pacing.

**What inspired Dickens to write *David Copperfield*?**
Dickens drew heavily from his own childhood experiences, particularly his father's imprisonment in a debtors' prison, which influenced the novel's portrayal of poverty and social injustice. The character of David Copperfield is a semi-autobiographical representation of Dickens' own life.

**How has *David Copperfield* been adapted for other media?**
The novel has been adapted into numerous films, television series, and stage productions, including a 1935 film starring W.C. Fields, a 1947 film starring Dickie Moore, and a 1999 BBC television adaptation. These adaptations highlight the novel's enduring appeal and cultural significance.

**What makes *David Copperfield* a classic of English literature?**
The novel's blend of realism and melodrama, its vivid characterizations, and its social commentary on Victorian society have cemented its status as a literary classic. Dickens' ability to balance entertainment with profound social critique sets *David Copperfield* apart as a masterpiece of English fiction.

## Why It Matters
*David Copperfield* is significant because it is one of Charles Dickens' most autobiographical works, offering readers a deeply personal and introspective narrative. The novel's exploration of themes such as family, education, and self-discovery resonates across generations, making it a timeless reflection of human experience. Dickens' portrayal of Victorian society, particularly the struggles of the working class and the moral complexities of its characters, remains relevant today. The novel's influence on literature, film, and television is profound, shaping the way stories about personal growth and social commentary are told. Additionally, *David Copperfield* has been widely adapted and studied, ensuring its enduring legacy in the literary canon.

## Notable For
- Being one of Charles Dickens' most autobiographical works, reflecting his own life experiences.
- Introducing the character of Uriah Heep, one of literature's most memorable morally corrupt figures.
- Pioneering the serialized novel format, which influenced later adaptations in film and television.
- Exploring themes of social mobility and the impact of education on personal development.
- Being adapted into numerous films, television series, and stage productions, showcasing its cultural impact.
- Highlighting the struggles of the working class and the moral complexities of Victorian society.
- Winning widespread acclaim and remaining a staple of English literature for over 170 years.

## Body

### Definition and Nature
*David Copperfield* is an 1849–1850 novel by Charles Dickens, initially published as a serialized work and later as a complete book. It is classified as an autobiographical novel and a Bildungsroman, following the life of the protagonist David Copperfield from childhood to adulthood. The novel is renowned for its vivid characterizations, social commentary, and exploration of themes such as family, education, and self-discovery.

### Classification and Relationships
*David Copperfield* is a literary work by Charles Dickens, published in the United Kingdom by Bradbury and Evans. It is a manifestation of literature and is part of the broader field of literature. The novel is linked to the following identifiers and classifications:
- **Instance of**: Literary work, Autobiographical novel, Bildungsroman
- **Follows**: *The Pickwick Papers* (1837)
- **Followed by**: *Dombey and Son* (1848)
- **Genre**: Autobiographical novel, Bildungsroman
- **Country of Origin**: United Kingdom
- **Publisher**: Bradbury and Evans
- **Sitelink Count**: 66 (Wikipedia articles in multiple languages)

### Properties and Identifiers
*David Copperfield* is associated with a wide range of properties for this type, including:
- **P18**: Cover image (Copperfield cover serial.jpg)
- **P214**: VIAF ID (178212527)
- **P227**: ISBN (4259699-3)
- **P244**: LCCN (n80040171)
- **P268**: BNF ID (11952671j)
- **P269**: OCLC ID (027500705)
- **P373**: Author's name (Charles Dickens)
- **P435**: MusicBrainz work ID (8720113e-f245-44b7-9312-8263ac960961)
- **P646**: Freebase ID (/m/0g_b_)
- **P648**: Open Library ID (OL10322056W)
- **P935**: Author's name (Charles Dickens)
- **P950**: BNE ID (XX1949449)
- **P1085**: Library of Congress Control Number (6598215)
- **P1296**: LibraryThing work ID (0021617)
- **P1417**: Wikidata topic (topic/David-Copperfield-novel)
- **P1476**: Full title (*David Copperfield or The Personal History, Adventures, Experience and Observation of David Copperfield the Younger of Blunderstone Rookery (Which He Never Meant to Publish on Any Account)*)
- **P1617**: Babelio ID (45363b59-6814-41f1-823a-e46bf34b92bf)
- **P1922**: Opening line (*"Whether I shall turn out to be the hero of my own life, or whether that station will be held by anybody else, these pages must show."*)
- **P2034**: Number of pages (766)
- **P3959**: OCLC numbers (001323726, 002660354, etc.)
- **P4342**: French Wikidata ID (David_Copperfield_-_roman)
- **P6221**: Goodreads ID (73388)
- **P7439**: Library of Congress Classification (154653)
- **P7574**: PlayDB ID (Play/598)
- **P8189**: BNE ID (987007585853505171)
- **P8313**: French Wikidata ID (David_Copperfield)
- **P8383**: Library of Congress Control Number (4711940)
- **P9818**: Library of Congress Classification (40441)

### Cultural and Academic Context
*David Copperfield* is foundational to the field of literature and is studied and preserved in academic and cultural contexts. It is linked to:
- **University of Barcelona authority ID**: 981060927480506706
- **Dictionary of Archives Terminology ID**: literary-works
- **Encyclopedia of China (third edition) ID**: 223088
- **Nomenclature for Museum Cataloging ID**: 13535
- **Thesaurus Linguae Aegyptiae ID**: R5CMB55TONDPPKYZCQSNGMQASA

### Maintenance and Curation
*David Copperfield* is maintained by WikiProject Books, which ensures its accurate documentation and categorization. It is also part of the "Category: Literary works" and is associated with the "Template: Infobox literary work" for structured representation.

### Distinction from Other Concepts
*David Copperfield* is distinct from the general term "Werk" and has a separate descriptive page to ensure clarity in classification. It is also different from "version, edition or translation" and "fiction," which are considered separate entities.

### Role in Digital and Cultural Archives
*David Copperfield* is cataloged and preserved in digital and cultural archives using specific identifiers and classification systems, ensuring its long-term accessibility and scholarly engagement.

### Character Analysis
The novel features a rich cast of characters, including:
- **David Copperfield**: The protagonist, a semi-autobiographical character based on Dickens' own life.
- **Uriah Heep**: A morally corrupt and wealthy character who embodies the greed and hypocrisy of Victorian society.
- **Mr. Micawber**: An optimistic but unreliable figure who represents the idealism and naivety of the working class.
- **Agnes Wickfield**: David's love interest, whose character evolves from innocence to complexity.
- **Dora Spenlow**: A tragic and complex character whose story adds depth to the novel's exploration of love and loss.

### Themes and Motifs
*David Copperfield* explores themes such as:
- **Family and Inheritance**: The novel examines the dynamics of family relationships and the impact of inheritance on personal identity.
- **Education and Self-Discovery**: The protagonist's journey through education and personal growth highlights the importance of learning and self-improvement.
- **Social Mobility**: The novel critiques the social hierarchies of Victorian society and the challenges faced by those seeking upward mobility.
- **Love and Loss**: The relationships between characters, particularly David and Dora, explore the complexities of love and the pain of loss.

### Legacy and Influence
*David Copperfield* has had a profound influence on literature, film, and television, inspiring countless adaptations and interpretations. Its themes and characters continue to resonate with readers, making it a timeless classic of English literature. The novel's impact on the development of the novel as a literary form is significant, shaping the way stories about personal growth and social commentary are told. Additionally, *David Copperfield* has been widely studied and analyzed, ensuring its enduring legacy in the literary canon.

## References

1. Virtual International Authority File
2. MusicBrainz
3. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
4. [David Copperfield by Charles Dickens | Open Library](https://openlibrary.org/works/OL10322056W/David_Copperfield?edition=key%3A/books/OL44094098M)
5. BBC Things