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.‎