# Steerforth's Home explained — David Copperfield

> Chapter companion for David Copperfield by Charles Dickens.

## 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.

## Character check-ins

### 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 lines

> 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._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/david_copperfield_se/chapters/xx-steerforth-s-home
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/david_copperfield_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/david_copperfield_se/chapters