Fairy-Take Elements In David Copperfield

The thesis reads Charles Dickens’ novel David Copperfield as a fairy-tale novel that embodies his idealistic visions about his time.Specifically,the thesis argues that,by incorporating almost all the basic fairy-tale elements such as starkly opposite characters of GOOD and EVIL,pastoral life,journeys and fairy-tale happy endings,Dickens calls for an idealistic just and ethical world.The thesis aims to explore the relationship between fairy-tale elements and Dickens’idealistic visions in David Copperfield.The study examines the various fairy-tale elements present in the novel,including fairy-tale characterization,fairy-tale settings of countryside,nature and journeys,and triumph of virtue over evil.The thesis argues that the fairy-tale writing in David Copperfield serves as a tool for Dickens to extend his idealistic vision of the just and ethical world.First,the fairy-tale characterization of GOOD and EVIL embodies Dickens’ pursuit of universal ideals and values like perseverance,diligence,compassion,and family/community bonds,as well as criticism against social vices of cruelty,selfishness,hypocrisy,etc.Second,the fairy-tale settings of countryside and nature as well as the fairy-tale perspective from David,the child protagonist,serve to highlight the idealistic theme of a nostalgia to innocent childhood and nature.Finally,the fairy-tale endings of triumph of good over evil as well as wish fulfillment serve to emphasize Dickens’ idea that virtues are always rewarded,and vices punished.The study therefore concludes that the fairy-tale elements in David Copperfield play a crucial role in embodying and enhancing Dickens’ idealistic ideas,and that they are an integral part of the novel’s lasting significance.