martin

In what is generally heralded as Dickens’s most significant triumph,David Copperfieldfollows the title character on his journey from an impoverished youth to a celebrated novelist. In his first novel, Dickens chronicles the comic adventures of the eccentric—but sort-hearted—Samuel Pickwick and his group of good friends dubbed the “Pickwick Club.” The Boffins also take in Bella Wilfer, who was Harmon’s intended, though they had never ever met. Bella is still dead-set on marrying for cash, though she appears to have an unusual connection with the Boffins’ poor secretary, Rokesmith. Charles was in a position to go back to school after the...