David Copperfield · Chapter
XLII: Mischief explained
David reflects on his hard work and the formation of his diligent character, attributing his success to habits of punctuality, order, and earnestness.
What happens
David reflects on his hard work and the formation of his diligent character, attributing his success to habits of punctuality, order, and earnestness. He acknowledges Agnes's influence. Agnes visits the Doctor's with her father, and Uriah Heep brings his mother to lodge nearby. Uriah insinuates suspicions about Mrs. Strong, which David rejects. David takes Agnes to meet Dora, and the two women form a warm bond. Later, a confrontation occurs where Mr. Wickfield confesses his past doubts about Mrs. Strong, and Uriah implicates David. The Doctor defends his wife with dignity and admits he may have wronged her by marrying her when she was very young.
Themes in this chapter
Friendship and Loyalty
Agnes and Dora form a warm, genuine bond, highlighting the importance of female friendship and loyalty.
Cruelty and Abuse of Power
Uriah Heep manipulates situations and insinuates suspicions, abusing his position to cause discord.
Love and Marriage
The Doctor reflects on his marriage to Annie, acknowledging the potential wrong of marrying her when she was very young.
Characters to notice
- David Copperfield
Reflects on his disciplined work ethic and success; escorts Agnes to meet Dora; confronts Uriah Heep's insinuations.
- Agnes Wickfield
Visits the Doctor's with her father; meets Dora and forms a warm, cheerful bond with her.
- Uriah Heep
Brings his mother to lodge nearby; insinuates suspicions about Mrs. Strong and implicates David in the conversation.
- Dora Spenlow
Meets Agnes; initially shy but warmly embraces her; expresses desire to be liked.
- Doctor Strong
Defends his wife Annie with dignity; admits he may have wronged her by marrying her young.
- Mr. Wickfield
Confesses his past doubts about Mrs. Strong, feeling subdued and remorseful.
Key passages
“I never could have done what I have done, without the habits of punctuality, order, and diligence, without the determination to concentrate myself on one object at a time, no matter how quickly its successor should come upon its heels, which I then formed.”
David attributes his success to the discipline of focusing on one task at a time and being punctual, orderly, and diligent.
David reflects on the formation of his work ethic.
“I saw the mild eye of the good old Doctor turned upon me for a moment, and I felt that the confession of my old misgivings and remembrances was too plainly written in my face to be overlooked.”
David realizes that his past doubts about Mrs. Strong are evident to the Doctor from his expression.
David's internal conflict is exposed during the confrontation.