David Copperfield, Chapter 36 summary

What happens

1. David visits Highgate and agrees to help Doctor Strong with his dictionary for seventy pounds a year.
2. Jack Maldon proposes an opera visit, but Annie declines and instead visits Agnes with the Doctor.
3. David embraces long working days and resolves to study shorthand despite Traddles’s warning about its difficulty.
4. Traddles finds copying work for Mr. Dick, whose earnings restore his happiness and sense of usefulness.
5. The Micawbers entertain David and Traddles and announce their planned move to Canterbury for employment with Heep.
6. Mr. Micawber gives Traddles an I.O.U. and treats this written promise as though it settles his debts.

In this chapter

What to notice

Mr. Dick’s copying brings more than income. It gives him purpose and relieves the distress caused by feeling unable to help.

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