Loading descriptions...
David's troubled early life.
The story opens with David's birth, which occurs shortly after
the death of his father. Great Aunt Betsey arrives, eagerly
anticipating a girl. Disappointed, she leaves in disgust, never to
return. Young David's happy childhood includes a memorable visit to
his nanny Peggotty's relatives, who live in a ship house on the
coast. On his return, he finds his mother has married Mr.
Murdstone, a stern disciplinarian. When David bites Murdstone
during a beating, the boy is sent to a boarding school run by the
severe Mr. Creakle. There, he falls under the protection of
Steerforth, an older student. When David's mother dies, Murdstone
sends him to work at a sweatshop in London. Again, David finds a
patron - this time Mr. Micawber, a profligate family man with whom
he lodges. But Micawber is sent to debtor's prison and David is
left homeless. Destitute, he walks to Dover, where he has heard his
Aunt Betsey lives. She offers him a nurturing home, shared with her
loopy lodger, Mr. Dick.
Visit the "David Copperfield" page for more
information about the two-part miniseries.