David Copperfield · Chapter
LVII: The Emigrants explained
David and Traddles help the Micawber family prepare for their emigration to Australia.
What happens
David and Traddles help the Micawber family prepare for their emigration to Australia. David conceals the news of Steerforth's death from Mr. Peggotty to ensure a happy departure. The Micawbers, now equipped with practical settler gear, express their hopes for a new life. Mr. Micawber is briefly arrested again but is freed. The chapter ends with the family ready to sail.
Themes in this chapter
Debt and Financial Instability
Mr. Micawber is arrested again for debt, underscoring his chronic financial troubles even as he prepares to emigrate.
Redemption and Forgiveness
The Micawbers see emigration as a chance for redemption and a new beginning, while David protects Mr. Peggotty from painful news.
Friendship and Loyalty
David and Traddles stand by the Micawbers, helping them prepare and keeping the secret of Steerforth's death to ensure a peaceful departure.
Characters to notice
- David Copperfield
David orchestrates the concealment of Steerforth's death from Mr. Peggotty and assists the Micawbers in their final preparations.
- Wilkins Micawber
Mr. Micawber adopts a buccaneering air, equips himself with oilskins and a knife, and is briefly arrested again before being freed.
- Mrs. Micawber
Mrs. Micawber delivers a lengthy speech about Mr. Micawber's future eminence and the importance of feeling his position as an emigrant.
- Betsey Trotwood
Aunt Betsey is present with Agnes, helping to prepare comforts for the children, and drinks to the Micawbers' success.
- Agnes Wickfield
Agnes is with Aunt Betsey, assisting with preparations and smiling as she joins in the toast.
- Tommy Traddles
Traddles accompanies David, helps keep the secret, and orders punch for the farewell gathering.
Key passages
“I wish Mr. Micawber, if I make myself understood, to be the Caesar of his own fortunes.”
Mrs. Micawber wants her husband to take control of his destiny and assert himself as a conqueror in the new world.
Mrs. Micawber's grandiloquent vision of Mr. Micawber's future in Australia.
“If it penetrates to him, sir, it shall first pass through this body!”
Mr. Micawber vows to shield Mr. Peggotty from the news of Steerforth's death at any cost.
Mr. Micawber's dramatic promise to intercept the bad news.
“The luxuries of the old country, we abandon. The denizens of the forest cannot, of course, expect to participate in the refinements of the land of the free.”
Mr. Micawber declares they are giving up English comforts for a simpler life in the wilderness.
Mr. Micawber's ironic renunciation of old-country luxuries as he embraces his new settler identity.