# My "First Half" at Salem House explained — David Copperfield

> Chapter companion for David Copperfield by Charles Dickens.

## What happens

David begins his first half-year at Salem House under the brutal headmaster Mr. Creakle, who delights in caning the boys. David befriends the charismatic Steerforth and the unfortunate Traddles. He receives a visit from Mr. Peggotty and Ham, who bring him gifts and meet Steerforth. The chapter ends with David anticipating the holidays and his return home.

## Themes in this chapter

### Cruelty and Abuse of Power

Mr. Creakle's sadistic enjoyment of caning the boys exemplifies the abuse of authority in the school.

### Friendship and Loyalty

David's bond with Steerforth and Traddles, and the loyalty shown by Mr. Peggotty and Ham, highlight the importance of friendship.

## Character check-ins

### David Copperfield

Narrator and protagonist, enduring his first half at Salem House under Mr. Creakle's tyranny.

### Mr. Creakle

The brutal headmaster who takes sadistic pleasure in caning the boys.

### James Steerforth

An older, charismatic boy who befriends David and charms Mr. Peggotty and Ham.

### Tommy Traddles

A fellow student who is frequently punished and suffers misfortune even during a supper.

### Mr. Peggotty

David's kind friend who visits Salem House with Ham, bringing gifts and meeting Steerforth.

### Ham Peggotty

Mr. Peggotty's nephew, who accompanies him on the visit and is impressed by Steerforth.

## Key lines

> Half the establishment was writhing and crying, before the day's work began; and how much of it had writhed and cried before the day's work was over, I am really afraid to recollect, lest I should seem to exaggerate.

Many boys were beaten and crying before lessons even started, and even more suffered throughout the day, though David hesitates to describe it fully.

_Highlights the pervasive cruelty at Salem House._

> I should think there never can have been a man who enjoyed his profession more than Mr. Creakle did. He had a delight in cutting at the boys, which was like the satisfaction of a craving appetite.

Mr. Creakle seemed to love his job because he took great pleasure in beating the boys, as if satisfying a deep hunger.

_Emphasizes Mr. Creakle's sadistic nature._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/david_copperfield_se/chapters/vii-my-first-half-at-salem-house
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/david_copperfield_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/david_copperfield_se/chapters