Another Recent Read

I just worked my way through 'David Copperfield', and I have to say, it was thouroughly enjoyable. I suppose that word sees a lot of use these days, but in this case, I really mean it. I vaguely remember reading the story in an abridged version as a child and being rather depressed by most of it. Even at the end, when it all worked out, it seemed as if there had been more sorrow than joy in the tale. That version, shorn of Dickens language, was unable to communicate anything beyond the plot. The original, on the other hand, is vibrant. The book is, ultimately, about a man who has gone through life's foaming rapids and come out, triumphant, onto the serene side. And Dickens, throughout the novel, keeps you minful of that fact. You feel the tragedies, but you know the hand that writes them has dealt with them and prospered. And of course, you feel the joys too. I am aware that there are probably many points of criticism that literary killjoys would love to direct at the book, but all of them notwithstanding, it a lovely work.

However, to join those killjoys on a very temporary basis, I would criticise one aspect, not just of this book, but of Dickens' novels in general: Though most of the Characters in the novels are beautifully formed and fleshed out, there is something awkward about many of his protagonists. You don't identify with them. You feel sympathy for David throughout this various trials, you share in his joys. But you don't identify with him. While, of course, his actions as a child are not to be judged, his actions as an adult often seem awkward. You are always aware that, in his place, you would have often done many things differently. The same holds for 'Pip' in Great Expectations. You like the bugger, but you often feel like telling him to stop being such a chump. And when Sidney Carter gets the chop, you feel sad, but not really overwhelmed. All told, Dickens' various literary strengths make this a rather trifling point - the books remain hugely enjoyable regardless. But the flaw stands out the more precisely because he scores so highly in all other departments.