The Undisciplined Heart of David Copperfield

Abstract

AU UTHOR, CRITIC, AND PUBLIC have distinguished Personal History and Experience of David Copperfield the Yo-unger by proclaiming it their favorite of all Dickens's works. Much has been written to explain, this unusual triple accord, much on the novel's merits and defects. Among many valuable discussions it is surprising that the contribution of the theme of the undisciplined heart to the novel's power has not been more thoroughly appreciated. Study of the part played by theme reveals its importance: it emphasizes and illumines the character of David, showing that his function is far greater than that of narrator; it works within the novel's frame of retrospection to shape the structure; it gives deeper significance to and closer integration of minor episodes with the novel's larger unity; thus it contributes largely to the novel's total effect and pervading tone. theme of the undisciplined heart, implicit from the begining, Dickens does not state explicitly until about three-fourths through the story. In the emotion-charged climax of the Strong episode, the young wife summarizes her history in three memorable phrases which ring forever in David's mind and heart: The first mistaken impulse of an undisciplined heart. There can be no disparity in marriage like unsuitability of mind and purpose.

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