David Copperfield · Chapter
XLIII: Another Retrospect explained
David Copperfield reflects on the period leading up to his marriage to Dora Spenlow.
What happens
David Copperfield reflects on the period leading up to his marriage to Dora Spenlow. He describes the dreamlike preparations, the acquisition of their marriage license, and the involvement of friends and family. The chapter captures his disbelief and joy as the wedding approaches, and includes glimpses of his professional success as a parliamentary reporter and budding author.
Themes in this chapter
Love and Marriage
The chapter centers on David and Dora's wedding preparations, highlighting the joy, dreamlike quality, and social rituals of marriage.
Domesticity and the Ideal Home
David and Dora's new cottage, the furniture shopping, and Peggotty's cleaning reflect the Victorian ideal of a well-kept home.
Friendship and Loyalty
Traddles' steadfast support and Agnes' presence as bridesmaid underscore the importance of loyal friendships.
Characters to notice
- David Copperfield
Narrator and protagonist, preparing for his marriage to Dora.
- Dora Spenlow
David's bride-to-be, lovingly described as a 'pretty toy' and 'darling'.
- Agnes Wickfield
Bridesmaid and dear friend, receives Dora's last kisses and farewells.
- Tommy Traddles
David's loyal friend, acts as his 'general backer' and is engaged to Sophy.
- Betsey Trotwood
David's aunt, helps with wedding preparations and makes a speech at breakfast.
- Clara Peggotty
David's former nurse, comes to help clean and prepare the new home.
- Jip
Dora's dog, given a Chinese house with bells and included in the wedding journey.
- Sophy Traddles
Traddles' fiancée, serves as a bridesmaid and is described as genial and engaging.
Key passages
“I am in a dream, a flustered, happy, hurried dream. I can't believe that it is going to be; and yet I can't believe but that everyone I pass in the street, must have some kind of perception, that I am to be married the day after tomorrow.”
David feels as though he is in a dream, both excited and disbelieving that his wedding is imminent, and imagines that strangers can somehow sense his upcoming marriage.
Captures David's emotional state of joyful disbelief before his wedding.
“I have tamed that savage stenographic mystery. I make a respectable income by it. I am in high repute for my accomplishment in all pertaining to the art, and am joined with eleven others in reporting the debates in Parliament for a morning newspaper.”
David has mastered the difficult skill of shorthand, earns a good living from it, and is part of a team of twelve reporters covering Parliamentary debates for a daily paper.
Highlights David's professional success as a parliamentary reporter.
“I have taken with fear and trembling to authorship. I wrote a little something, in secret, and sent it to a magazine, and it was published in the magazine. Since then, I have taken heart to write a good many trifling pieces. Now, I am regularly paid for them.”
David began writing secretly, submitting a piece to a magazine that was accepted, and has since written many small works for which he is now paid regularly.
Describes David's early steps and growing confidence as a writer.
