# A Loss explained — David Copperfield > Chapter companion for David Copperfield by Charles Dickens. ## What happens David returns to Yarmouth upon hearing of Mr. Barkis's grave illness. He visits Mr. Omer, who explains the difficulty of inquiring after the sick in his trade, and learns that Barkis is near death. David goes to the Peggotty home, where he finds Mr. Peggotty, Ham, and a deeply distressed Little Em'ly, who clings to her uncle in fear of the impending loss. He later sees Barkis, who lies unconscious, embracing the box that was his lifelong treasure. ## Themes in this chapter ### Death and Mortality The chapter centers on Mr. Barkis's impending death, exploring the solemnity and fear surrounding mortality, particularly through Little Em'ly's reaction. ### Friendship and Loyalty David's return to Yarmouth to support Peggotty and the family during their time of crisis underscores the bonds of loyalty and care. ### Domesticity and the Ideal Home The Peggotty home is depicted as a place of comfort and love, with Mr. Peggotty's protective care of Em'ly and the family's unity in the face of loss. ## Character check-ins ### David Copperfield Arrives in Yarmouth and visits Mr. Omer and the Peggotty household, observing the somber atmosphere surrounding Mr. Barkis's final illness. ### Mr. Omer Smokes his pipe and discusses the difficulty of asking after the sick in his trade; shares news of Barkis's condition and Em'ly's unsettled state. ### Little Em'ly Sits by the fire with her hands over her face, trembling and silent; clings to her uncle and avoids Ham, showing a deep fear of death and separation. ### Mr. Peggotty Opens the door for David, comforts Em'ly with pride and tenderness, and goes upstairs to inform Peggotty of David's arrival. ### Ham Peggotty Stands near Em'ly, speaks kindly, and agrees to leave her with her uncle for the night, showing his gentle and understanding nature. ### Clara Peggotty Embraces David and thanks him for his comfort; reports that Mr. Barkis often spoke of David before falling into a stupor. ## Key lines > It's one of the drawbacks of our line of business. When a party's ill, we can't ask how the party is. Mr. Omer explains that his trade prevents him from directly inquiring about a sick person's health, as it might cause shock. _Reflects the social delicacy and professional constraints of the undertaker's trade._ > She seems to get fonder and fonder of her uncle, and more loth to part from all of us. Little Em'ly grows increasingly attached to her uncle and reluctant to leave the family, as her wedding approaches. _Highlights Em'ly's emotional turmoil and fear of change._ > The coldness of her hand when I touched it, I can feel yet. Its only sign of animation was to shrink from mine. David recalls how Em'ly's hand was icy and withdrawn, showing her deep distress and avoidance. _Emphasizes Em'ly's profound fear and emotional withdrawal in the face of death._ ## Links - HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/david_copperfield_se/chapters/xxx-a-loss - Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/david_copperfield_se - All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/david_copperfield_se/chapters