David Copperfield Blog - Ch 1.
The novel was written by Charles Dickens and is set in 18th century England and the main character and protagonist is David Copperfield. The novel is told from his point of view and the story is basically David's biography from childhood to adulthood. He was born in Blunderstone, Suffolk in 1820. He is named after his father who died six months before he was born. He is bought up by his mother Clara and their servant Peggotty.
Just before he is born, Clara is paid a visit by David's eccentric paternal great aunt Betsey Trotwood. Betsey's sole reason for her visit is because she wishes to raise Clara's baby as godmother and states repeatedly that she hopes for and is convinced that Clara's baby will be female and also asks Clara to name her child after her, stating 'There must be no mistakes with this Betsey Trotwood.' Clara doesn't agree or disagree - she doesn't say much one way or the other as Betsey interrupts her every time she attempts to.
Clara then goes into labour while Betsey is still there. Peggotty looks after Clara and later informs Betsey that Clara's baby was in fact a boy. A horrified Betsey leaves immediately, returning to her home in Dover, as she has a strong hatred of men and boys because she was once in an abusive, loveless marriage.
David is a happy, thoughtful child growing up. He does not attend a formal school though is educated by his mother at home with assistance from Peggotty. He is nicknamed 'Davy' by his mother and is called that most of the time by both his mother and Peggotty.
Just before he is born, Clara is paid a visit by David's eccentric paternal great aunt Betsey Trotwood. Betsey's sole reason for her visit is because she wishes to raise Clara's baby as godmother and states repeatedly that she hopes for and is convinced that Clara's baby will be female and also asks Clara to name her child after her, stating 'There must be no mistakes with this Betsey Trotwood.' Clara doesn't agree or disagree - she doesn't say much one way or the other as Betsey interrupts her every time she attempts to.
Clara then goes into labour while Betsey is still there. Peggotty looks after Clara and later informs Betsey that Clara's baby was in fact a boy. A horrified Betsey leaves immediately, returning to her home in Dover, as she has a strong hatred of men and boys because she was once in an abusive, loveless marriage.
David is a happy, thoughtful child growing up. He does not attend a formal school though is educated by his mother at home with assistance from Peggotty. He is nicknamed 'Davy' by his mother and is called that most of the time by both his mother and Peggotty.