# Some Old Scenes, and Some New People explained — David Copperfield

> Chapter companion for David Copperfield by Charles Dickens.

## What happens

David revisits his childhood home at Blunderstone, reflecting on his parents' graves and the changes to the old house. He and Steerforth spend time in Yarmouth, where Steerforth's restless nature leads him to boating and late-night adventures. One evening, David finds Steerforth in a dark, introspective mood, lamenting his lack of a judicious father and expressing self-torment. Steerforth quickly recovers his spirits, and they discuss their impending departure, with Steerforth revealing he has bought a boat.

## Themes in this chapter

### Memory and Nostalgia

David's pilgrimage to Blunderstone, revisiting his parents' grave and the old home, evokes a blend of sadness and pleasure.

### Friendship and Loyalty

David's gratitude for Steerforth and Peggotty, and his reflections on his aunt's generosity, highlight the theme of loyal bonds.

### Orphanhood and Self-Formation

David's solitary reflections on his parents' graves and his aspirations for the future underscore his self-formation as an orphan.

## Character check-ins

### David Copperfield

Revisits Blunderstone, reflecting on his parents' graves and the changes to his old home; observes Steerforth's mood swings.

### James Steerforth

Shows restless and adventurous nature; experiences a dark, introspective moment, lamenting his lack of guidance; reveals he bought a boat.

### Clara Peggotty

Attends to Mr. Barkis; David stays in her spare room, feeling constrained by her daily care.

### Mr. Peggotty

Goes boating with Steerforth; his house is a gathering place.

### Mrs. Gummidge

Returns with a basket; Steerforth cheers her with a salutation and embrace.

### Mr. Chillip

Mentioned as having remarried and having a sickly baby.

## Key lines

> The grave beneath the tree, where both my parents lay... which Peggotty's own faithful care had ever since kept neat, and made a garden of, I walked near, by the hour.

David spends hours near his parents' grave, which Peggotty has lovingly maintained as a garden.

_Reflects David's nostalgia and the enduring care of Peggotty._

> I wish to God I had had a judicious father these last twenty years!

Steerforth passionately wishes he had been guided by a wise father.

_Reveals Steerforth's inner turmoil and regret about his upbringing._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/david_copperfield_se/chapters/xxii-some-old-scenes-and-some-new-people
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/david_copperfield_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/david_copperfield_se/chapters