David Copperfield · Chapter
LI: The Beginning of a Longer Journey explained
David learns from Mr.
What happens
David learns from Mr. Peggotty that Little Em'ly has been found and rescued by Martha Endell from a life of ruin in London. Mr. Peggotty decides to emigrate to Australia with Em'ly, and Mrs. Gummidge pleads to be taken along. The chapter closes with Mr. Peggotty's farewell to the old boathouse and his plans for a new life overseas.
Themes in this chapter
Redemption and Forgiveness
Mr. Peggotty's forgiveness of Em'ly and Martha Endell's redemptive act of rescue highlight the theme of second chances.
Friendship and Loyalty
Martha Endell's loyalty to Em'ly and Mrs. Gummidge's devotion to Mr. Peggotty underscore the bonds of friendship and loyalty.
Domesticity and the Ideal Home
The dismantling of the old boathouse symbolizes the loss of the ideal home, while the plan to emigrate represents the hope of building a new one.
Characters to notice
- Mr. Peggotty
Mr. Peggotty recounts the rescue of Little Em'ly and announces his plan to emigrate to Australia with her.
- Little Em'ly
Em'ly has been found and rescued by Martha Endell; she is now with Mr. Peggotty, brokenhearted but safe.
- Mrs. Gummidge
Mrs. Gummidge passionately begs Mr. Peggotty not to leave her behind, offering to work and be a comfort to him and Em'ly.
- David Copperfield
David visits the old boathouse and hears Mr. Peggotty's account of Em'ly's rescue and their emigration plans.
- Betsey Trotwood
Aunt Betsey joins David in the garden, warmly greets Mr. Peggotty, and expresses her admiration for Martha Endell.
- Martha Endell
Martha is credited with rescuing Little Em'ly from a dangerous situation in London, fulfilling her promise to help.
Key passages
“She come, white and hurried, upon Em'ly in her sleep. She says to her, 'Rise up from worse than death, and come with me!'”
Martha Endell appeared suddenly to Em'ly while she was asleep and urged her to escape from a fate worse than death.
Mr. Peggotty describes Martha's dramatic rescue of Em'ly.
“No one can't reproach my darling in Australia. We will begin a new life over theer!”
In Australia, no one will be able to criticize my dear Em'ly; we will start fresh there.
Mr. Peggotty expresses his hope for a new beginning in Australia.
“I mustn't be left behind. Doen't ye think of leaving me behind, Dan'l! Oh, doen't ye ever do it!”
I cannot be left here. Please don't consider leaving me behind, Dan'l! Never do that!
Mrs. Gummidge pleads with Mr. Peggotty to take her with them.