# A Retrospect explained — David Copperfield

> Chapter companion for David Copperfield by Charles Dickens.

## What happens

David Copperfield reflects on his adolescence, his infatuation with the eldest Miss Larkins, and the changes in himself and those around him, including Agnes Wickfield growing into a woman. He attends a ball, dances with Miss Larkins, and later learns she is to marry Mr. Chestle, ending his romantic fantasy.

## Themes in this chapter

### Love and Marriage

David's adolescent infatuation with Miss Larkins and her subsequent marriage to Mr. Chestle illustrate the transition from romantic fantasy to social reality.

### Memory and Nostalgia

David reflects on his past self and the changes in those around him, emphasizing the passage of time and personal growth.

## Character check-ins

### David Copperfield

Narrates his adolescent infatuation with the eldest Miss Larkins, his growth, and his reflections on the past.

### Agnes Wickfield

Appears as a young woman, copying music, and informs David of Miss Larkins's impending marriage.

### Miss Larkins

The eldest Miss Larkins, object of David's intense but short-lived romantic obsession, who dances with him and later marries Mr. Chestle.

### Mr. Larkins

Father of the eldest Miss Larkins, gruff and double-chinned, mentioned in David's fantasies and interactions.

### Mr. Chestle

A hop-grower who marries the eldest Miss Larkins, introduced to David at the ball.

## Key lines

> I am lost in rapturous reflections; but I neither see her in the street, nor when I call.

David is absorbed in blissful thoughts, but he cannot find Miss Larkins anywhere.

_Highlights David's romantic obsession and disappointment._

> I picture myself taking courage to make a declaration to Miss Larkins. I picture Miss Larkins sinking her head upon my shoulder, and saying, 'Oh, Mr. Copperfield, can I believe my ears!'

David imagines proposing to Miss Larkins and her accepting him.

_Shows David's youthful fantasy and idealization of love._

> The eldest Miss Larkins is going to be married tomorrow. Someone you admire.

Agnes tells David that Miss Larkins will marry the next day.

_Reveals the end of David's romantic hopes._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/david_copperfield_se/chapters/xviii-a-retrospect
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/david_copperfield_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/david_copperfield_se/chapters