David Copperfield, Chapter 1 summary
Chapter 1 of 64 · 18 min to read the chapter
In Chapter 1, the narrator recounts his birth after his father’s death, while his forceful great-aunt visits his frightened mother and plans to protect an expected daughter. When Mr. Chillip announces a boy, Miss Trotwood leaves in anger, ending her involvement in the birth scene.
What happens
- The narrator describes predictions surrounding his Friday birth and recounts the sale by raffle of his caul.
- He explains his father’s death and Miss Trotwood’s estrangement from his parents.
- Miss Trotwood arrives, questions his anxious mother, and insists the expected child must be a girl.
- She promises to protect this imagined daughter and asks about the widow’s income.
- Peggotty sends Ham Peggotty for medical help, while Miss Trotwood waits impatiently and intimidates Mr. Chillip.
- The baby is born safely, but Miss Trotwood strikes toward the doctor with her bonnet and leaves after learning its sex.
Free for 3 months
Get the full summary of David Copperfield, free
- 200,000+ classics as eBooks, audiobooks and 15-minute summaries, and print and large print at cost
- Up to 5 readers in your home on one plan
Start freeNothing to pay today. USD 0.14 a day in the first year, then USD 0.27 a day.
In this chapter
What to notice
The announcement overturns Miss Betsey’s certainty about the baby. Her immediate departure shows how strongly her promised support depends on having a girl.
Quick check
Why does Miss Trotwood leave after the birth?
Free for 3 months
Get the full summary of David Copperfield, free
- 200,000+ classics as eBooks, audiobooks and 15-minute summaries, and print and large print at cost
- Up to 5 readers in your home on one plan
Start freeNothing to pay today. USD 0.14 a day in the first year, then USD 0.27 a day.
200,000+ classics to read, hear and hold
15-minute summaries today, eBooks and audiobooks as each book opens, and printed books, large print included, at cost.
Try 3 months free
