# LXIII: A Visitor explained — David Copperfield

> Chapter companion for David Copperfield by Charles Dickens.

## What happens

David Copperfield, now a successful and happily married man with three children, receives a surprise visit from Mr. Peggotty, who has traveled from Australia. Mr. Peggotty recounts the fortunes of his family, including Little Em'ly's quiet, charitable life after the tragedy, and Martha's marriage. The visit is a joyful reunion, and Mr. Peggotty shares news of their thriving life in the colony before departing.

## Themes in this chapter

### Domesticity and the Ideal Home

David's perfect domestic joy with Agnes and their children is contrasted with Mr. Peggotty's description of Em'ly's solitary but virtuous life.

### Redemption and Forgiveness

Little Em'ly's life of quiet charity and service represents her redemption after her past, while Mr. Peggotty's unwavering love and forgiveness continue.

## Character check-ins

### David Copperfield

Now a successful author, married ten years to Agnes, and father of three children. He warmly welcomes Mr. Peggotty.

### Agnes Wickfield

David's wife, a loving mother, and a gracious hostess who shares in the joy of Mr. Peggotty's visit.

### Mr. Peggotty

An old, hearty, and robust man who has traveled from Australia to see David and Agnes. He shares news of his thriving life and of Little Em'ly.

### Little Em'ly

Described by Mr. Peggotty as a gentle, sorrowful, and charitable woman who devotes herself to helping others in the colony.

### Martha Endell

Married a farm-laborer in the second year in Australia and lives a remote, contented life in the Bush.

### Ham Peggotty

Remembered through the tablet David placed in Yarmouth churchyard; Mr. Peggotty gathers grass and earth from his grave for Em'ly.

## Key lines

> I had advanced in fame and fortune, my domestic joy was perfect, I had been married ten happy years.

David reflects on his successful career and his blissful marriage to Agnes, which has lasted a decade.

_Establishes the setting of David's contentment and the passage of time._

> It was Mr. Peggotty. An old man now, but in a ruddy, hearty, strong old age.

The visitor is revealed to be Mr. Peggotty, who appears healthy and vigorous despite his age.

_Highlights the joyful reunion and Mr. Peggotty's enduring vitality._

> We've allus thrived. We've worked as we ought to 't, and maybe we lived a leetle hard at first or so, but we have allus thrived.

Mr. Peggotty explains that through hard work and perseverance, they have prospered in Australia.

_Reflects the theme of reward for honest labor and resilience._

> Cheerful along with me; retired when others is by; fond of going any distance fur to teach a child, or fur to tend a sick person, or fur to do some kindness tow'rds a young girl's wedding... That's Em'ly!

Mr. Peggotty describes Em'ly as a quiet, compassionate woman who finds purpose in helping others, though she remains withdrawn from social life.

_Portrays Em'ly's transformed, redemptive life after her past sorrows._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/david_copperfield_se/chapters/lxiii-a-visitor
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/david_copperfield_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/david_copperfield_se/chapters