David Copperfield, Chapter 28 summary
Chapter 28 of 64 · 31 min to read the chapter
In Chapter 28, Copperfield hosts the Micawbers and Traddles, whose cheerful dinner contrasts with the Micawbers’ unpaid debts and proposed search for work through advertisements. Steerforth brings Peggotty’s news that Barkis is dying, and Copperfield plans a visit before reading a letter revealing that Traddles’s financial guarantee is overdue.
What happens
- Copperfield prepares dinner, but Mrs. Crupp’s poor cooking forces the guests to rescue the mutton together.
- Littimer interrupts their enjoyment, serves them with unsettling formality, and gives evasive answers about Steerforth.
- Mrs. Micawber proposes borrowing money to advertise her husband’s qualifications, while he imagines improved lodgings.
- As the guests leave, Traddles admits that he already guarantees a bill for Mr. Micawber.
- Steerforth arrives with Peggotty’s letter about Barkis, and persuades Copperfield to postpone his visit by one day.
- Mr. Micawber’s letter reveals seized belongings, Traddles’s overdue guarantee, and another expected child.
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In this chapter
What to notice
Copperfield points out that a person without money can still incur financial risk by guaranteeing another person’s debt. Micawber’s letter confirms the danger to Traddles.
Quick check
What does Micawber’s letter reveal about the bill guaranteed by Traddles?
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