The Oakley herald. [volume] (Oakley, Idaho) 1908-1961, 1921-07-08

k[N ALL my books" writes
Dickens, II like this best.
1t win be easily believed
that | am a fond parent to every
child of my fancy, and that no n can
ever love that family as dearly as i
love them; but, like many fond par
ents, l have in my heart of hearts a
favorite child, and his name is David
COpperield.'"
The world in the main agrees with
the opinion of the great, kindly define
ator of humanity, for Dayid Copper
field and 'Pickwick Papers hold first
and second choice with most lovers of
this English author of the middle Of
the nineteenth century. The reason is
not hard to discover. The memory of
the sad childhood of the writer forms
the basis of the novel and provides
the personal flavor. 1t is in many re-
spects his ablest and clearest book.
The narrative, moreover, moves from
beginning to end in full swing with
mingled pathos and humor. The spirit
throughout is kindly, sympathetic, and.
above all, human. Mr.. G. X. Chestert0n.
writing of David Copperfield' and its
author, says: Gle has created crea-
lures who cling to us and %tyrannize
over us. creatures whom we would not
forget if we could. creatures whom we
could not forget if we would. creatures
who are more actual than the man
who made them"
The novel begins with the birth OF
its hero, David Copperfield. six months
after the death of his father. An &c
centric great aunt, Miss Betsey Trot-
wood, is present in the house, but de
parts quite as suddenly as she ar
rived when she learns that the child
is a boy and cannot bear her name.
David's mother is quite alone in the
world with the exception Of plain Peg
gotty. her devoted serving woman
Peggotty, with no shape at all. and SO
very plump that when any little ex-
ertion is made after she is dressed.
some of the buttons on the back of her
gown fly off.
Being however youthful and pretty
Clara Copperfield soon marries the
stern Mr.. Murdstone, who proves TO be
not only stern, but hard and cruel
On the occasion Of his mothers mar
David is sent with Peggotty to
visit her brother at Yarmouth, where
he, with his niece, little Emily. and
nephew Ham, occupy a superannuated
old boat now converted into a most
delightfully."- coy home. Little Emily
with her winning ways grows very dear
to David. as do the honest fisherfolk
with whom she lives.
Returning home, David at once be-
an object of detestation to his
stepfather. and in consequence is pack
I'd off to school. Here his misery eon-
under O master, or rather bully,
Treakle. wLoep chief zest in life on
in the infiiction of pain on some
victim. The one bit Of bright
less in school life is attachment for
lanes S~teerforth, a handsome, deb
inair, dashing lad, with the faculty
# making everyone his friend. But
chOol days are brought to a sudden
Ialt by the death of David's mother.
rushed by her husbands careless tyr
any. Peggotty is dismissed and Bar
is, the stage driver, whose courtship !
as consisted in the singular message
ent through David of "Barkis is will !
1g," finally succeeds in making Peg .
Otty willing also. !
After months of utter neglect David :
sent to London, where he becomes, |
{ ten years Of age, a little laboring :
ind in a dilapidated old warehouse, in .
le service of Murdstone and Grimby, :
inc merchants. Half starved, wearied :
y long hours Of labor amid repulslve :
)mpanions, including Mick Walker =
nd Neatly Potatoes. David's life is a
,ntinued torture. He lodges with a :
II. and Mrs. wilkins Micawber and :
Ieir numerous progeny. Mr.. Micawber. q
ways in pecuniary difficulties and :
ways expecting something to turn P
," and always in possession of a fine