Dickens uses Uriah Heep to stress the importance of education for life. From the
education he receives at the Charity School, he is taught no other way to
advance in life besides being devious and deceitful. Dora too, demonstrates the
problems of a life without sufficient preparation. From birth, she was expected
to be nothing more than a "pretty little wife" and when she grew up, she is
incapable of managing the house and Dickens makes it clear that she is nothing
more than a pretty object.
The two schools David attends are also diametrically opposed. Creakle is a
ruthless bully, harassing those younger and weaker than himself. He runs Salem
House for this very reason, and not because he has any improve the students'
future chances. Dr Strong's school, however, is "as different from Mr. Creakle's
as good is from evil". Dr Strong is a generous character, "the idol of the whole
school", which he runs to help the boys, not himself. He gives the boys the
choice to do what they like and respects them as people, unlike Creakle who
barely recognises their existence.
