David Copperfield, Chapter 8 summary

What happens

1. On the journey home, Mr. Barkis asks David to tell Peggotty that he still expects an answer.
2. David finds his mother nursing his new brother and enjoys dinner and conversation with her and Peggotty.
3. Peggotty promises not to leave, while David's mother defends the Murdstones and admits her doubts about herself.
4. After the Murdstones return, Miss Murdstone forbids David to hold his brother and rejects any resemblance between them.
5. Mr. Murdstone orders David to remain in the parlor and stop seeking comfort with Peggotty in the kitchen.
6. David leaves after a miserable holiday and watches his mother hold up the baby at the garden gate.

In this chapter

What to notice

The comparison shows how Mr. Murdstone's authority humiliates David. His obedience reflects fear rather than trust or understanding.

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