I read David Copperfield for the first time when I was in grade eight. Filled with righteous anger at the revolting Mr. Murdstone and his appalling sister, I was delighted by the admittedly weird but goodhearted Betsey Trotwood- especially when she stands up to the Murdstones and tells them some plain truths about themselves. Incidentally, has there ever been a writer, in the history of the world, who has been as inspired as Dickens in the naming of characters?
This is an illustration from Charles Dickens' 1850 novel David Copperfield. After young David runs away from Mr. Murdstone's bottle factory in London, he makes his way to Dover to ask his father's sister Miss Betsey Trotwood for help. After an original misunderstanding, Betsey invites him in. While they are sorting things out, David is startled when his eccentric aunt suddenly bellows, "Janet! Donkeys!" She and her servant- Janet- then charge out the door brandishing various household implements and drive off some donkeys and their riders from the lawn in front of Betsey's house. It turns out that the right of way over this green area is in dispute. Betsey insists it is her property, but the donkey-boys, due either to stubbornness or perverse delight in inciting her rage, continually ride across it. This leads to Betsey and her loyal servant Janet sallying forth numerous times a day to do battle with the recalcitrant donkey-boys. I read David Copperfield for the first time when I was in grade eight. Filled with righteous anger at the revolting Mr. Murdstone and his appalling sister, I was delighted by the admittedly weird but goodhearted Betsey Trotwood- especially when she stands up to the Murdstones and tells them some plain truths about themselves. Incidentally, has there ever been a writer, in the history of the world, who has been as inspired as Dickens in the naming of characters?
Comments
|
About MeI'm a lover of good books, classic movies, and well-written shows (as well as some pretty cheesy ones, to be completely honest). Categories
All
Archives
March 2024
Fun SitesOdds & Ends |