Published serially 1849-1850, David Copperfield is considered Charles Dickens’ masterpiece and the most autobiographical of his novels. It follows its eponymous protagonist from birth to maturity as he journeys through adversity to become a successful author. Through David’s moral and professional development, Dickens provides insightful social commentary on 19th century England while emphasizing the formative influence of childhood. An essential Bildungsroman in English literature, David Copperfield established the template for coming-of-age stories. Plot Summary Born after his father’s death, David Copperfield is raised by his kind-hearted but financially unstable mother and their housekeeper Peggotty. After his mother marries the strict…
Author: Mukesh Rishit
Published in 1843, A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens is a short novel set in Victorian England around Christmas. It tells the story of miserly Ebenezer Scrooge and his ideological transformation after visits from the ghosts of Christmas past, present and future. Through this simple moral tale, Dickens hoped to revive charitable values and holiday spirit in an increasingly commercial and industrial age. An enduring classic, A Christmas Carol practically defined the modern experience of Christmas in popular culture. Plot Summary On Christmas Eve, miserly businessman Ebenezer Scrooge dislikes joy and celebration. When his cheerful nephew invites him for Christmas…
Published in 1678, The Pilgrim’s Progress by English author John Bunyan is regarded as one of the most significant works of religious English literature. Presented as a dream narrative, it allegorically chronicles the spiritual journey of a man named Christian towards salvation. Beset by trials, moral dilemmas and vanities, he perseveres to reach the Celestial City. With its imaginative religious symbolism and emphasis on inner spiritual struggles, The Pilgrim’s Progress played a key role in popularizing the allegorical novel. Plot Summary Burdened by sin, Christian flees doomed city Destruction and strives to reach the Celestial City. On his pilgrimage, he…
Published in 1726, Gulliver’s Travels by Jonathan Swift is regarded as one of the first and most influential works of prose fiction in English literature. Presented as the memoir of a ship’s surgeon named Lemuel Gulliver, it chronicles his fantastical voyages to surreal lands inhabited by tiny people and giant creatures. Through creative worldbuilding and satire, Swift provides scathing commentary on 18th century British society and human nature. An enduring classic, Gulliver’s Travels established literary fantasy fiction and utopian satire. Plot Summary The novel is divided into four parts – each describing Gulliver’s voyage to a bizarre new land. First…
Published in 1850, The Scarlet Letter by Nathaniel Hawthorne is a classic American novel set in puritanical 17th century Boston. It tells the story of Hester Prynne, a woman punished for committing adultery and bearing a child out of wedlock. She is forced to wear a scarlet letter “A” on her dress as a mark of shame. A psychological tale of guilt, desire, judgment, and salvation, The Scarlet Letter probes the effects of rigid morality and persecution on individuals and the community. Plot Summary In colonial Boston, Hester Prynne is led in public punishment for committing adultery and having a…
Published in 1851, Herman Melville’s Moby-Dick is considered one of the great American novels. The story follows the whale ship Pequod captained by the brooding, vengeful Captain Ahab on his quest to kill the elusive white whale named Moby Dick. Narrated by sailor Ishmael, this epic ocean adventure blends action, allegory, symbolism, and encyclopedic detail into a rich literary masterpiece that tackles humanity’s relationship with nature, evil, and obsession. Plot Summary The narrator Ishmael signs up to work on the Pequod whaling ship sailing from Massachusetts. He is intrigued by the mysterious, scary captain Ahab who remains secluded in his…
Published in 1847 under the pen name Currer Bell, Jane Eyre by Charlotte Brontë is considered a pioneering novel for its portrayal of the quest for independence and empowerment by the title character. Orphaned as a girl, Jane overcomes poverty, abuse and social exclusion to forge her own path as a self-respecting woman. Combining gothic mystery with romantic passion, Jane Eyre examines gender, class, religion, sexuality and more in Victorian England through the eyes of its remarkable heroine. Plot Summary Orphaned as a baby, young Jane Eyre lives unhappily with her cruel aunt and cousins, the Reeds. Sent away to…
Published in 1847 under the pseudonym Ellis Bell, Wuthering Heights is the only novel written by Emily Brontë. A haunting story of all-consuming love, destructive obsession and revenge, it centers around the tumultuous relationship between the brooding Heathcliff and beautiful Catherine Earnshaw. Set on the bleak Yorkshire moors, this gothic romance novel introduced wild, primitive passions into English literature and remains one of the most studied, adapted and acclaimed classics. Plot Summary Narrated through flashbacks, the story begins with Mr. Lockwood renting the remote estate Thrushcross Grange. He visits his unfriendly landlord Heathcliff at nearby Wuthering Heights and finds the…
Published in 1813, Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice is considered one of the greatest novels in English literature. A classic comedy of manners, it follows the turbulent romantic journey of Elizabeth Bennet, the feisty protagonist who must overcome her prejudices to find love. Through portrayals of families, class, scandal, and relationships in early 19th century British society, Austen crafts a delightful social satire with enduring insights on marriage, womanhood and human foibles. Plot Summary Set in the English countryside, the story revolves around the Bennet family comprising the sarcastic Elizabeth, her reserved sister Jane, pretentious Mr. Bennet and the matchmaking…
Published in 1883, Treasure Island by Scottish author Robert Louis Stevenson is considered a pioneering adventure novel and a classic of children’s literature. Set in the days of sailing ships and pirates, it tells the thrilling tale of young Jim Hawkins who finds a treasure map and embarks on a perilous quest for hidden pirate gold. With its larger-than-life characters, exotic locales, and themes of courage, friendship and good versus evil, Treasure Island remains an enduring fictional world that has shaped popular perception of pirates. Plot Summary The story opens at Admiral Benbow inn located by the English coastline where…