David Copperfield · Chapter
A Greater Loss explained
David stays with Peggotty after Mr.
What happens
David stays with Peggotty after Mr. Barkis's death, helping with the will and estate. He discovers Barkis's hidden wealth and reads the will, which leaves Peggotty well provided for. After the funeral, David returns to Yarmouth and finds the Peggotty household in shock: Little Em'ly has run away with Steerforth, leaving a heartbroken letter behind.
Themes in this chapter
Debt and Financial Instability
Mr. Barkis's hidden wealth and the careful management of his will contrast with the emotional and social debts incurred by Em'ly's flight.
Cruelty and Abuse of Power
Steerforth's seduction and abandonment of Little Em'ly exemplifies the abuse of power by the wealthy over the vulnerable.
Friendship and Loyalty
David's loyalty to Peggotty and the Peggotty family's solidarity in grief highlight the theme of steadfast friendship.
Characters to notice
- David Copperfield
David helps Peggotty with Barkis's will and estate, attends the funeral, and is present when the news of Em'ly's flight is revealed.
- Clara Peggotty
Peggotty mourns Mr. Barkis, inherits his estate, and returns to her brother's house where she learns of Em'ly's disappearance.
- Mr. Peggotty
Mr. Peggotty is devastated by Em'ly's flight, reading her farewell letter with profound grief.
- Ham Peggotty
Ham is heartbroken, weeping as he tells David that Em'ly has run away with Steerforth.
- Little Em'ly
Em'ly runs away with Steerforth, leaving a letter expressing her shame and love for her uncle.
- James Steerforth
Steerforth is the man with whom Em'ly has fled, though he does not appear directly in the chapter.
Key passages
“I felt myself quite a proctor when I read this document aloud with all possible ceremony, and set forth its provisions, any number of times, to those whom they concerned.”
David feels very important and professional as he solemnly reads the will aloud to the family.
David's youthful pride in his legal knowledge is evident as he interprets Barkis's will.
“My love, Mas'r Davy—the pride and hope of my 'art—her that I'd have died for, and would die for now—she's gone!”
Ham tells David that Em'ly, the woman he loved and would die for, has run away.
Ham's grief is overwhelming as he reveals Em'ly's flight.
“Oh, for mercy's sake, tell uncle that I never loved him half so dear as now.”
Em'ly begs in her letter that her uncle be told she loves him more than ever.
Em'ly's farewell letter expresses her deep affection for her uncle despite her actions.