David Copperfield · Chapter
Martha explained
David and Mr.
What happens
David and Mr. Peggotty follow Martha to the banks of the Thames, where she is in a state of despair and contemplating the river. They intervene, and Mr. Peggotty reveals his enduring love for his niece Little Em'ly and asks for Martha's help in finding her. Martha solemnly vows to devote herself to the search.
Themes in this chapter
Redemption and Forgiveness
Martha is given a chance for redemption through her vow to help find Little Em'ly, and Mr. Peggotty's forgiveness and trust in her despite her past.
Friendship and Loyalty
David and Mr. Peggotty's loyal pursuit of Martha and their trust in her to aid in the search for Little Em'ly.
Orphanhood and Self-Formation
Martha's background as an orphan with no friend is highlighted, and her despair reflects the struggles of self-formation without familial support.
Characters to notice
- David Copperfield
Narrator who follows Martha with Mr. Peggotty, intervenes to prevent her from harming herself, and recounts their conversation.
- Mr. Peggotty
Accompanies David, shows profound compassion and horror, and asks Martha to help find his niece Little Em'ly.
- Martha Endell
In deep despair by the river, she is convinced she belongs to the polluted water, but eventually agrees to help find Little Em'ly.
Key passages
“Oh, the river! ... I know it's like me! I know that I belong to it. I know that it's the natural company of such as I am!”
Martha cries out that the river is a reflection of her own corrupted and miserable life, and she feels drawn to it as her only fitting companion.
Martha's identification with the polluted river symbolizes her deep despair and sense of worthlessness.
“Full and free!”
Mr. Peggotty declares he trusts Martha completely and without reservation.
Mr. Peggotty's response shows his unconditional faith in Martha's ability to help.
“If she were not true to it, might the object she now had in life, which bound her to something devoid of evil, in its passing away from her, leave her more forlorn and more despairing, if that were possible, than she had been upon the river's brink that night; and then might all help, human and Divine, renounce her evermore!”
Martha swears a solemn oath that if she fails in her mission, she hopes to become even more hopeless and abandoned than she was by the river.
Martha's vow underscores her transformation from despair to a purpose-driven commitment.