David Copperfield, Chapter 42 summary
Chapter 42 of 64 · 33 min to read the chapter
In Chapter 42, Agnes befriends Dora, while Uriah forces suspicions about Mrs. Strong and Mr. Maldon before the Doctor, drawing David and Mr. Wickfield into his accusations. David strikes Uriah, the Strongs grow increasingly unhappy despite the Doctor’s trust in his wife, and Mrs. Micawber reports her husband’s troubling secrecy.
What happens
- David credits sustained effort for his success, and Agnes arrives with her father for a fortnight at the Doctor’s.
- Uriah tells David he wants to obstruct Agnes’s friendship with Mrs. Strong, whose influence he resents.
- Agnes and Dora become affectionate friends, and Agnes reassures David that she rejects the step he fears.
- Uriah confronts Doctor Strong with accusations about his wife and Maldon, using Wickfield’s admissions and David’s expression as support.
- The Doctor defends Annie’s honor but blames himself for marrying her; David strikes Uriah, who insists on forgiving him.
- The Strongs become unhappy, Mr. Dick offers both quiet companionship, and Mrs. Micawber asks David for advice about her secretive husband.
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In this chapter
What to notice
The Doctor answers accusations against Annie by blaming himself. His confidence in her honor survives, but his fear that he makes her unhappy changes their daily life.
Quick check
How does Uriah respond after David strikes him?
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