David Copperfield · Chapter
LXI: I Am Shown Two Interesting Penitents explained
David Copperfield resides at his aunt's house in Dover while completing his book, occasionally visiting London to consult with Traddles.
What happens
David Copperfield resides at his aunt's house in Dover while completing his book, occasionally visiting London to consult with Traddles. He observes the happy domestic life of Traddles and Sophy, and later visits a model prison where he sees Uriah Heep and Littimer, who hypocritically profess repentance.
Themes in this chapter
Friendship and Loyalty
David's enduring friendship with Traddles and the supportive partnership between Traddles and Sophy exemplify loyalty and mutual respect.
Domesticity and the Ideal Home
The happy, orderly home of Traddles and Sophy contrasts with the prison's artificial piety, highlighting the value of genuine domestic harmony.
Hypocrisy and Redemption
Uriah Heep and Littimer's feigned penitence in the model prison exposes the hollowness of their claims to reform, questioning the sincerity of redemption.
Characters to notice
- David Copperfield
Narrator and protagonist, living at his aunt's house and working on his book.
- Tommy Traddles
David's friend, now a lawyer, happily married to Sophy.
- Sophy Traddles
Traddles' wife, a cheerful and diligent housekeeper who learns legal handwriting to assist her husband.
- Uriah Heep
Imprisoned, he hypocritically professes repentance and humility in the model prison.
- Littimer
Also imprisoned, he delivers a sanctimonious speech about his past follies and forgiveness.
- Miss Mowcher
Mentioned as the dwarf who bravely captured a criminal, earning David's respect.
Key passages
“I truly devoted myself to it with my strongest earnestness, and bestowed upon it every energy of my soul, I have already said.”
David asserts that he has already mentioned his wholehearted dedication to his writing.
David reflects on his commitment to his literary work.
“What a thoroughly good and charming wife she is, my dear Traddles!”
David praises Sophy as an excellent and delightful wife.
David admires the domestic happiness of Traddles and Sophy.
“I am a good deal troubled when I think of the sins of my former companions, sir; but I trust they may find forgiveness.”
Littimer claims to be troubled by the sins of his past associates and hopes they will be forgiven.
Littimer's hypocritical expression of concern in the prison.
“I would 'umbly ask, sir, ... if I might be permitted to write a letter to 'umbleness.”
Uriah humbly requests permission to write a letter about humility.
Uriah's characteristic false humility persists even in prison.