David Copperfield · Chapter
XXIII: I Corroborate Mr. Dick, and Choose a Profession explained
David awakens reflecting on his deep, protective love for Little Em'ly, resolving to keep her confidences secret.
What happens
David awakens reflecting on his deep, protective love for Little Em'ly, resolving to keep her confidences secret. After leaving Yarmouth, he and Steerforth discuss a letter from Aunt Betsey proposing that David become a proctor. David visits Mr. Spenlow's offices, learns of the thousand-pound premium, and is intimidated by the mention of the inflexible Mr. Jorkins. He writes to Agnes, and his aunt departs for Dover, leaving David to begin his month of trial in London.
Themes in this chapter
Orphanhood and Self-Formation
David's aunt guides his career choice, reflecting his ongoing need for parental direction as he steps toward independence.
Friendship and Loyalty
David confides in Steerforth about his aunt's letter, and resolves to protect Little Em'ly's secret, showing his loyalty to childhood bonds.
Debt and Financial Instability
The £1,000 premium and Mr. Jorkins's insistence on payment highlight the financial barriers to entering a profession.
Characters to notice
- David Copperfield
Resolves to keep Little Em'ly's secret; discusses career options with Steerforth; visits Mr. Spenlow's office and agrees to a trial month as a proctor.
- James Steerforth
Travels with David from Yarmouth; advises David on his aunt's letter; dismissively suggests proctoring is as good as any profession.
- Betsey Trotwood
Writes to David proposing he become a proctor; arranges the premium with Mr. Spenlow; departs for Dover, confident David will become firm and self-reliant.
- Littimer
Seen at the coach departure; Steerforth notes he knows his duties; David feels young in his presence.
- Mr. Spenlow
Interviews David about the proctor vacancy; mentions the inflexible partner Mr. Jorkins; agrees to a month's trial.
- Clara Peggotty
Bids David a sorrowful farewell at Yarmouth; part of the family grieved by his departure.
Key passages
“I felt as if I had come into the knowledge of those domestic weaknesses and tendernesses in a sacred confidence, and that to disclose them, even to Steerforth, would be wrong.”
David feels he has learned Little Em'ly's private emotions in trust and must not share them, even with his close friend Steerforth.
Demonstrates David's growing sense of honor and protectiveness.
“He is a sort of monkish attorney.”
Steerforth describes a proctor as a lawyer connected to old ecclesiastical courts.
Steerforth's casual, dismissive view of the profession contrasts with David's earnest interest.
“Mr. Jorkins is immovable.”
Mr. Spenlow claims his partner, Mr. Jorkins, is inflexible on the premium amount.
Introduces the comic figure of Jorkins as a scapegoat for business decisions.