# Somebody Turns Up explained — David Copperfield

> Chapter companion for David Copperfield by Charles Dickens.

## What happens

David reconnects with the Micawbers, who are in financial distress and staying at a hotel in Canterbury while waiting for a remittance. Mrs. Micawber explains their failed attempts to find work and their hopes for something to turn up. David dines with them and is surprised to see Mr. Micawber arm-in-arm with Uriah Heep. Meanwhile, David receives letters from Peggotty, who reports the sale of his childhood home and the departure of the Murdstones, stirring painful memories. David settles into life at Doctor Strong's school, with regular visits from his aunt and Mr. Dick.

## Themes in this chapter

### Debt and Financial Instability

The Micawbers are in dire financial straits, waiting for a remittance to pay their hotel bill, and Mrs. Micawber discusses their failed attempts to secure capital for the coal trade.

### Friendship and Loyalty

David shows loyalty to the Micawbers by dining with them and offering sympathy, while Peggotty's letters demonstrate her enduring affection and concern for David.

### Memory and Nostalgia

David reflects on the sale of his childhood home and the graves of his parents, evoking a sense of loss and the passage of time.

## Character check-ins

### Wilkins Micawber

Mr. Micawber is in Canterbury with his family, awaiting a remittance and hoping for something to turn up. He dines with David and has befriended Uriah Heep.

### Mrs. Micawber

Mrs. Micawber recounts the family's failed attempts to secure employment in Plymouth and the coal trade, and expresses her unwavering support for her husband.

### David Copperfield

David reconnects with the Micawbers, corresponds with Peggotty, and continues his studies at Doctor Strong's school, with regular visits from his aunt and Mr. Dick.

### Clara Peggotty

Peggotty writes to David, reporting the sale of his childhood home and the departure of the Murdstones, and expresses her lingering fear of Miss Betsey.

### Uriah Heep

Uriah is seen walking arm-in-arm with Mr. Micawber, who praises him as a potential attorney-general, causing David unease.

### Betsey Trotwood

Aunt Betsey visits David occasionally at school but soon trusts his progress and reduces her visits. She also instructs David to open a credit for Mr. Dick's gingerbread.

## Key lines

> I never will desert Mr. Micawber.

Mrs. Micawber declares her unwavering loyalty to her husband, no matter their circumstances.

_This line underscores Mrs. Micawber's steadfast devotion, a recurring theme in the Micawbers' relationship._

> the blots were more expressive to me than the best composition; for they showed me that Peggotty had been crying all over the paper

The tear stains on Peggotty's letter conveyed her emotions more powerfully than any words could.

_David interprets Peggotty's blots as a sign of her deep affection and sorrow, highlighting their emotional bond._

> I thought afresh of the grave in the churchyard, underneath the tree: and it seemed as if the house were dead too, now, and all connected with my father and mother were faded away.

David reflects on the graves of his parents and feels that the old house, now empty, is also dead, symbolizing the end of his childhood.

_This passage evokes David's nostalgia and grief for his lost family and home._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/david_copperfield_se/chapters/xvii-somebody-turns-up
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/david_copperfield_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/david_copperfield_se/chapters