Exploring the Characters’ Psychological and Emotional Aspects in Dickens’ David Copperfield through a Psychoanalysis Lens

Abstract

Through this research, we attempt to explore the psychological and emotional landscapes of characters in Charles Dickens’ David Copperfield. To enter their psychological world, some Freudian concepts and some others related Hall’s interpretation of dreams will be employed in order to offer readers some understanding of their life struggles. The study concentrates to a great extent on the protagonist, David Copperfield, tracing the evolution and interplay of his ego, superego, and identity throughout the story. It also investigates the psychological complexities of other key characters, because understanding what they endure is helpful in penetrating the life of the main character, which is our main concern. By using the previously mentioned Freudian and Hall’s tools, the research uncovers the intricate psychological realities and societal reflections that Dickens weaves into his work. This study aims to shed new light on the rich psychological and emotional dimensions of David Copperfield, demonstrating Dickens’ profound character development skills and his lasting impact on English literature.