# The Wanderer explained — David Copperfield

> Chapter companion for David Copperfield by Charles Dickens.

## What happens

Mr. Peggotty recounts his arduous journey across Europe in search of his niece Little Em'ly, describing the kindness of strangers and his unwavering forgiveness. He shows David letters from Em'ly expressing her remorse and includes money she sent. Mr. Peggotty resolves to continue his search, while David notices a mysterious listening face at the door.

## Themes in this chapter

### Redemption and Forgiveness

Mr. Peggotty's unwavering forgiveness and desire to bring Em'ly home, and Em'ly's remorseful letters seeking mercy.

### Cruelty and Abuse of Power

The consequences of Steerforth's betrayal, which led to Em'ly's flight and suffering.

### Friendship and Loyalty

The kindness of strangers who help Mr. Peggotty, and the loyalty of Mrs. Gummidge and Ham.

## Character check-ins

### Mr. Peggotty

Describes his long journey through France and Italy seeking Little Em'ly, showing his steadfast love and forgiveness.

### David Copperfield

Listens to Mr. Peggotty's story, observes the face at the door, and accompanies him partway.

### Little Em'ly

Referenced through her letters of remorse and the money she sent; Mr. Peggotty seeks her.

### Martha Endell

Appears as the haggard listening face at the door, begging David not to reveal her.

### Ham Peggotty

Mentioned as working bravely but deeply affected by Em'ly's flight; helped draft a reply to her letter.

### Mrs. Gummidge

Mentioned as the faithful creature sitting by the fire when Mr. Peggotty returned; she copied the reply to Em'ly.

## Key lines

> I never doubted her. No! Not a bit! On'y let her see my face—on'y let her heer my voice—on'y let my stanning still afore her bring to her thoughts the home she had fled away from, and the child she had been—and if she had growed to be a royal lady, she'd have fell down at my feet!

Mr. Peggotty expresses absolute faith that Em'ly will repent and return to him if she sees his face and hears his voice, no matter how far she has fallen.

_Shows Mr. Peggotty's unconditional love and belief in Em'ly's inherent goodness._

> I'd go ten thousand mile, I'd go till I dropped dead, to lay that money down afore him. If I do that, and find my Em'ly, I'm content. If I doen't find her, maybe she'll come to hear, sometime, as her loving uncle only ended his search for her when he ended his life; and if I know her, even that will turn her home at last!

Mr. Peggotty vows to travel any distance to return the money to its anonymous sender and to find Em'ly, believing that even his death in the search might bring her home.

_Highlights his determination and self-sacrificing love._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/david_copperfield_se/chapters/xl-the-wanderer
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/david_copperfield_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/david_copperfield_se/chapters