David Copperfield · Chapter
Steerforth's Home explained
David visits Steerforth's home in Highgate, meets his proud mother and the enigmatic Rosa Dartle, and learns about the scar on her lip.
What happens
David visits Steerforth's home in Highgate, meets his proud mother and the enigmatic Rosa Dartle, and learns about the scar on her lip. Steerforth dismisses academic ambition, and David observes the dynamics of the household.
Themes in this chapter
Friendship and Loyalty
David's admiration for Steerforth and Steerforth's patronage highlight their bond.
Cruelty and Abuse of Power
Steerforth's casual revelation of Rosa Dartle's scar and his dominance over her hint at past cruelty.
Characters to notice
- David Copperfield
David is the narrator and guest, feeling bashful and admiring Steerforth.
- James Steerforth
Steerforth is charming and self-possessed, dismissive of fame and academic ambition.
- Mrs. Steerforth
Steerforth's mother, proud and devoted to her son, gives David a stately welcome.
- Rosa Dartle
Mrs. Steerforth's companion, with a scar on her lip and a bitter, hinting manner of speaking.
Key passages
“I take a degree! Not I! my dear Daisy—will you mind my calling you Daisy?”
Steerforth rejects the idea of earning a degree, and asks if he can call David 'Daisy'.
Steerforth's dismissal of academic ambition and his affectionate nickname for David.
“She has borne the mark ever since, as you see; and she'll bear it to her grave, if she ever rests in one—though I can hardly believe she will ever rest anywhere.”
Steerforth explains that Rosa Dartle's scar is permanent and that she seems restless and tormented.
Steerforth's cold account of Rosa Dartle's injury and his prediction of her restless fate.