Chapter 1: Birth and Childhood
I, David Copperfield, was born on a stormy Friday night. My father passed away before I was born, so I was raised by my mother and our servant Peggotty. My mother was a beautiful but timid woman who relied heavily on my strict stepfather, Mr. Murdstone.
After Mr. Murdstone and his sister Miss Murdstone came to our home, my childhood changed dramatically. They were very strict and often punished me. Once, I bit Mr. Murdstone's hand because he was too rough with my mother. This action caused me to be sent to a very strict school. This was the first time I left home, and I felt very lonely and afraid.