# XIII: The Sequel of My Resolution explained — David Copperfield

> Chapter companion for David Copperfield by Charles Dickens.

## What happens

David Copperfield, having run away from his miserable life at Murdstone and Grinby's, endures a grueling journey to Dover in search of his aunt, Betsey Trotwood. He sleeps rough, suffers hunger and exhaustion, and faces numerous setbacks, including being robbed and receiving unhelpful or mocking responses from locals. Upon finally locating his aunt's house, he presents himself in a ragged, sunburnt state and introduces himself, recounting his hardships. Miss Betsey, initially shocked, listens as David breaks down and pleads for her help.

## Themes in this chapter

### Orphanhood and Self-Formation

David's flight and journey to his aunt represent his active effort to shape his own destiny after being orphaned and mistreated.

### Cruelty and Abuse of Power

David's experiences of being robbed, mocked by locals, and treated with suspicion highlight the cruelty he faces from society.

### Memory and Nostalgia

David's fanciful picture of his mother in her youth serves as a sustaining force, contrasting his present misery with a nostalgic ideal.

## Character check-ins

### David Copperfield

David undertakes a desperate journey to Dover, enduring physical hardship and emotional turmoil, and finally presents himself to his aunt.

### Betsey Trotwood

David's formidable aunt, who is initially stern and dismissive but is confronted by David's plea for help.

### Clara Copperfield

David's deceased mother appears in his memory as a fanciful picture that sustains him during his journey.

### James Steerforth

David dreams of Steerforth and calls out his name while sleeping near Salem House.

### Tommy Traddles

David considers seeking out Traddles at Salem House but decides against it due to lack of confidence in his discretion.

### Mr. Creakle

David mentions Mr. Creakle's boys as he creeps away from Salem House.

## Key lines

> Never shall I forget the lonely sensation of first lying down, without a roof above my head!

David vividly recalls the profound loneliness of sleeping outdoors for the first time.

_Highlights the emotional impact of homelessness on David._

> I felt quite wicked in my dirt and dust, with my tangled hair.

David feels morally degraded by his filthy appearance.

_Reflects the Victorian association between physical cleanliness and moral worth._

> I am David Copperfield, of Blunderstone, in Suffolk—where you came, on the night when I was born, and saw my dear mama. I have been very unhappy since she died.

David introduces himself to his aunt by referencing her visit at his birth and describing his suffering after his mother's death.

_This direct appeal is the climax of David's journey and plea for acceptance._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/david_copperfield_se/chapters/xiii-the-sequel-of-my-resolution
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/david_copperfield_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/david_copperfield_se/chapters