David Copperfield

Content Warning: This section of the guide contains discussion of death and gender discrimination.

Gather initial thoughts and broad opinions about the book.

1. David Copperfield is a lengthy novel. What do you think of Dickens’s decision to begin with events prior to David’s birth? Did you find the novel’s length to be intimidating? Why do you think that novels have typically become shorter since the 19th century?

2. If you have read any other novels by Charles Dickens, how do they compare? What comes to mind if someone describes a film or novel as “Dickensian”?  

3. Demon Copperhead by Barbara Kingsolver is a contemporary reimagining of David Copperfield. Compare and contrast the two novels. What aspects of David Copperfield remain relevant in the present day?

Encourage readers to connect the book’s themes and characters with their personal experiences.

1. David’s initially happy childhood is disrupted by his mother’s marriage to Mr. Murdstone. Why do you think that blended families can be challenging? What factors make them more or less likely to succeed?

2. David has a largely unhappy experience at school (Charles Dickens often portrays schools as places marked by cruelty). What memories do you have of your early school days? Do you consider your education to have been formative of your character or worldview?