Shakespeare between Copperfield and Micawber. On the function of Shakespeare’s words in David Copperfield

Abstract

The article explores the function of Shakespeare’s words as quoted by two characters of David Copperfield — David and Micawber. Each showing excellent memory of Shakespeare’s works, the two heroes embody opposing borrowing strategies. Whereas David carefully judges if the narrated subject matches a Shakespearean quote in its semantic and expressive power and may choose to adapt or altogether reject it upon reflection, Micawber borrows from Shakespeare almost unconsciously, at the same time showing a particular weakness for the most memorable and tragic lines. This inapt quoting oſten reduces Micawber to a bombastic thespian. The characters’ dialogue with Shakespeare is, in turn, one in which Dickens, famously fond of his great predecessor, is engaged himself through his novel. It appears, therefore, that the Shakespearean field brings the author closer to his characters. The novel’s references to Shakespeare’s plays which are analysed in this article were mentioned in V. Gager’s catalogue, yet remained hitherto unexplored in the comparative context and with regard to the novel.