David Copperfield Chapter Summary & Analysis - Chapter 40 Summary

Chapter 40 Summary

Arriving home, David tells his aunt about the trouble with the Wickfields. He also posts the letter to Dora's aunts. On his way home from work one night, he happens to meet Mr. Peggotty. Trailing behind them is Martha, the disgraced girl from Yarmouth who does not want them to see her. Mr. Peggotty describes his trip to France to search of Emily. He also shares a series of letters that he believes indicate that Emily has gone on to Germany. During the conversation, Martha hides outside and listens. Finally, Mr. Peggotty goes on to his hotel and David goes home. He does not see Martha again that night.

Chapter 40 Analysis

Mr. Peggotty's search for Emily shows how much he cares for her. He finds that many people along the way sympathize with him in his search. They are probably relating to what their own daughters have done. Martha's presence foreshadows her...
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