David Copperfield, Chapter 58 summary
Chapter 58 of 64 · 12 min to read the chapter
In Chapter 58, the narrator leaves England in deep grief, but a Swiss valley and Agnes’s trusting letter help him recover and return to writing. During three years abroad, he acknowledges his love for Agnes yet convinces himself that his own choices have made marriage to her impossible.
What happens
- The narrator leaves England and wanders abroad, finding no relief from grief in unfamiliar sights.
- In a Swiss valley, the landscape moves him to tears, and Agnes’s letter gives him courage to try again.
- After three months, he decides to remain in Switzerland, resume writing, and seek companionship.
- Traddles arranges publication of his story, his reputation grows, and he begins another work of fiction.
- He admits to himself that he loves Agnes but believes he must preserve their sisterly relationship.
- After three years away, he returns home by packet boat, still convinced that Agnes cannot be his.
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
Quick check
What does the narrator decide after spending three months in the valley?
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
