David Copperfield, Chapter 35 summary

What happens

1. David finds Mr. Dick a room and alarms him by explaining poverty, while Betsey calmly begins cutting expenses.
2. Betsey questions David’s judgment about Dora, and he spends a troubled night imagining poverty and disgrace.
3. Mr. Spenlow and Mr. Jorkins refuse to cancel David’s articles and return the money, each pointing toward the other.
4. Agnes arrives, describes Uriah’s place in her home, and hears Betsey explain her investment losses.
5. Agnes suggests secretarial work for Doctor Strong, and David writes to arrange a visit.
6. Uriah displays his influence over Mr. Wickfield, whose spirits improve with Agnes after Uriah leaves.

In this chapter

What to notice

Betsey asks David to value steady character in love. His immediate insistence that Dora meets this standard shows how little he questions his own judgment.

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