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In David Copperfield, how has David's home changed when he returns from school?

When David returned home from school, he found that his mother and Mr. Murdstone had a new baby. Before, David had been the sole child and sole focus of attention from the adults. Now he has been replaced (at least in the eyes of Mr. Murdstone). The focus will be on his new sibling. David has become expendable, since Mr. Murdstone has a child of his own, his heir. David is now seen as a...

When David returned home from school, he found that his mother and Mr. Murdstone had a new baby. Before, David had been the sole child and sole focus of attention from the adults. Now he has been replaced (at least in the eyes of Mr. Murdstone). The focus will be on his new sibling. David has become expendable, since Mr. Murdstone has a child of his own, his heir. David is now seen as a threat to the child, not only in the possibility that he might harm the baby but in taking any financial legacy or property that might have come to him from his father, though this would most like go to Mr. Murdstone once he married David’s mother. Not only is David a threat, but he is an unnecessary expense, using money that should go to the new baby. When David’s mother dies, he is in essence disinherited. As a result, his education is now ended, and he is sent to work in London. In effect, he no longer has a home.

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