# LXI: I Am Shown Two Interesting Penitents explained — David Copperfield

> Chapter companion for David Copperfield by Charles Dickens.

## 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.

## Character check-ins

### 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 lines

> 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._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/david_copperfield_se/chapters/lxi-i-am-shown-two-interesting-penitents
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/david_copperfield_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/david_copperfield_se/chapters