# Liking Life on My Own Account No Better, I Form a Great Resolution explained — David Copperfield

> Chapter companion for David Copperfield by Charles Dickens.

## What happens

David Copperfield, still unhappy working at Murdstone and Grinby's, spends his final days with the Micawber family before they depart for Plymouth. After Mr. Micawber is released from debtors' prison, David resolves to run away to his Aunt Betsey Trotwood in Dover. He borrows half a guinea, arranges for his box to be sent, and escapes from his job on Saturday night, though he is briefly threatened by a young man who steals his coin.

## Themes in this chapter

### Debt and Financial Instability

Mr. Micawber's release from debtors' prison and his famous advice on income versus expenditure highlight the pervasive theme of financial hardship.

### Friendship and Loyalty

David's close bond with the Micawber family is evident in their emotional farewell and Mrs. Micawber's vow never to desert her husband.

### Orphanhood and Self-Formation

David's decision to run away and seek his aunt marks a pivotal step in his self-formation as an orphaned child taking control of his own destiny.

## Character check-ins

### David Copperfield

David decides to run away from his miserable life at Murdstone and Grinby's to seek his Aunt Betsey Trotwood in Dover.

### Wilkins Micawber

Mr. Micawber is released from debtors' prison and prepares to move his family to Plymouth, offering David advice on financial prudence.

### Mrs. Micawber

Mrs. Micawber tearfully declares she will never desert her husband, and expresses gratitude to David for his friendship.

### Mr. Quinion

Mr. Quinion arranges for David to lodge with Tipp the carman after the Micawbers leave, unaware of David's plan to run away.

## Key lines

> Annual income twenty pounds, annual expenditure nineteen nineteen and six, result happiness. Annual income twenty pounds, annual expenditure twenty pounds ought and six, result misery.

If you spend less than you earn, you'll be happy; if you spend more, you'll be miserable.

_Mr. Micawber's famous financial advice to David._

> I never will desert Mr. Micawber. No! I never will do it! It's of no use asking me!

Mrs. Micawber insists she will never abandon her husband, no matter what.

_Mrs. Micawber's dramatic declaration of loyalty to her husband._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/david_copperfield_se/chapters/xii-liking-life-on-my-own-account-no-better-i-form-a-great-resolution
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/david_copperfield_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/david_copperfield_se/chapters