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 work.Part 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 criticism.Also 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.