David Copperfield and Great Expectations are among Charles Dickens's most famous novels. In both books, the hero tells the vivid and absorbing tale of his education by life, presents a rich range of characters and scenes, and tackles profound moral, social and psychological themes.Part I of this essential study:- Provides lucid and penetrating analyses of key passages- Discusses the crucial topics of patriarchy, class, obsession, eccentricity, death, breakdown and recovery- Summarizes the methods of analysis and offers suggestions for further workPart II supplies key background material, including:- An account of Dickens's life and works- A survey of historical, cultural and literary contexts- Samples of significant criticismAlso featuring a valuable Further Reading section, this volume provides readers with the critical and analytical skills which will enable them to enjoy and explore both novels for themselves.

General Editor's Preface Acknowledgements Note on Quotations Introduction PART I: ANALYSING 'DAVID COPPERFIELD' AND 'GREAT EXPECTATIONS' 1. Introduction 2. Sons and Patriarchs 3. Ladies and Gentlemen 4. Obsessives and Eccentrics 5. Moments of Truth 6. Dying in Style 7. Breakdown and Recovery PART II: THE CONTEXT AND THE CRITICS 8. Charles Dickens: Life and Works 9. The Historical, Cultural and Literary Context 10. A Sample of Critical Views 11. Further ReadingIndex.