H‘rhhwwh -.-e--

-*':°:'t;;-.

o

 

 

\‘H‘Hiflo!

u |‘
.. 7“

O

- 21

¢ 0
o

‘ 9n
I O .
I.

'0. ‘Jg’
". .‘n cl.
1 o ' ‘

. 8

1g '!1..
'1

31..

.

‘~§.u‘ .. .
":,4

I
,

{.fflj 3k“

j-v'i‘ g,

fo~6 9:.
x ‘. ‘1 ‘.

~:‘,'iii§“7"i‘§'

sg-N

: “:-
0 1.‘
"‘ "S

(

I't*1‘t‘l‘

I,
0.

.-

~_
'4'. o
..

O

‘ o
L-’

b

. §’§?‘ ‘r"4‘1f‘* 9 2 9.~.

:53‘

ii}

“" .‘;..?-‘

A
O 0
a.

O

A READING THEATRE ADAPTATtON 0; ~ . 7 ._ ‘ }_; __.
QDAWD. cowemew _ you may; SCHOOL STUD

Thesis Mn» Dost,» a; M. A," I
MICHIGAR SIATE :umvsasm

. f James iFrénéklin:Brad-1937,.Jn ‘

- 19.60

 

 

  
    

LIBRA R Y 1
Michigan State
University

 

0‘!

 

run: "
. a) ‘
\xoj H ’ q Nb

 

 

 

 

A READING THEATRE 'ADAPTATION OF DAVID COPPERFIELD

FOR HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS

BY

James Franklin-Bradley, Jr.

A THESIS
Submitted to the College of Communication Arts
of Michigan State University in Partial
Fulfillment of the Requirements
for the Degree of

MASTER OF ARTS

Department of Speech

1960

ii

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

The writer would like to express his sincere gratitude
to Dr. Jed Davis for directing this study and for being so generous of
his guidance and encouragements .

The writer also wishes to acknowledge the under-
standing, love, and patience of his wife, Lois N. Bradley, without
which this study would never have been completed.

Further thanks are extended to the Speech and English
faculty of T. L. Handy High School, Bay City, Michigan and to its
principal, Mr. Arthur Cansfield, without whose cooperation this

study could not have been undertaken.

A READING THEATRE ADAPTATION OF DAVID COPPERPIELD

FOR HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS

BY

James Franklin Bradley, Ir.

AN ABSTRACT
Submitted to the College of Communication Arts
of Michigan State University in Partial
Fulfillment of the Requirements
for the Degree of

MASTER OF ARTS

Department of Speech

1960

W. W 0 W

WTMH‘W’ 7% #:4241221

iv
Iames Franklin Bradley, Ir.

THESIS ABSTRACT

College ~preparatory English students throughout the
United States are required to read specific classic novels in class.
Since reading levels naturally vary even in select classes, it follows
that wide levels of understanding of this literature may be present in
these classes and thus present a problem to the English teacher in
presenting the literature so that all students may enjoy and understand
it.

Consequently, the problem in this study was to adapt
a required reading classic novel, David Copperfield by Charles Dickens
for oral interpretation and to evaluate the effectiveness of the Reading
Theatre technique in supplementing the comprehension and enjoyment
of the novel by high school students .

First the reading script for David Copperfield was writ-
ten, based upon the L. W. Singer Co. abridged edition used by the
students in college preparatory junior English classes . The adaptation
was performed at T. L. Handy High School, Bay City, Michigan. Sec-
ond, three groups of students were selected to participate in this ex-
periment: Group A, consisting of 21 students , read only the novel and
discussed it in class . They then were administered a 50 question ob-
jective test based! upon the abridged edition of the novel. Group B,

consisting of 25 students , read the novel, saw the Reading Theatre

v
James Franklin Bradley, Jr.

adaptation of David Copperfield, and then was administered the same
50 question test as Group A. Group C, consisting of 40 students, saw
only the Reading Theatre adaptation of the novel and then was adminis-
tered the same test given Groups 'A and B. After the performance,
Groups B and C were asked to fill out a questionnaire on their reaction
to the Reading Theatre production.

The reading script consisted of eighteen scenes which
adhered to the story of David CgDperfield. The major problems in
adapting the novel were first, the uniting of the story line into a strong
central plot around David, and second, the selecting of characters
which best perpetuated the spirit of the novel. Eighteen characters
eventually were written into the adaptation of the novel.

An analysis of the comprehension test scores of each
group revealed that the mean score of Group A was 37. 33, Group B
was 37. 76, and Group C was 23.20. Further analysis of these mean
scores, using the standard formula for finding small "t", disclosed
that the actual error of difference between Groups A and B was .174,
between Groups A and C, 4.302, and between Groups B and C, 4.41.
From these figures we may draw the following conclusions: There was
no significant difference between the mean scores of Groups A and B.
Thus , seeing the Reading Theatre production did not increase Group B's
comprehension of the novel. This study hoped to find the contrary to

be true. The significant difference between the mean scores of

vi
James FranklinBradley, Jr.
'. .Groups Aand. C, and between B and C probably indicates that reading .
V ' lth'e‘novel is necessary to increase the comprehension of the stildents
if they are to get the most out of the literature.

The questionnaire returned by the students in Groups B
and C led to the following conclusions:

Students do enjoy hearing the novel read aloud.

The students were able to follow the entire story or
plot.

The student readers were able to develop satisfactorily
the personalities of the characters and project them clearly.

Students were 119; interested in reading the novel on
their 9373 once they had seen the Reading Theatre production. (At
least one—third indicated it told too much of the plot.)

I Most students feel that the Reading Theatre is a sat-
isfactory technique for introducing the novel before studying it in class
or for reviewing it after class study.

Studentsprefer a sirod’uctionpfi shortertfiée'ngth.“ The
most satisfactory time limit for this type of reading production would
be one hour.

The final conclusions of this study are: Reading Theatre
can be successfully used as a supplement to the reading of a novel,
either as a review or an introduction. Comprehension may not be im-

proved through seeing a Reading Theatre production. However, it is

vii

James Franklin Bradley, Jr.
believed that if a Reading Theatre production of the novel could be
followed closely- by the class reading of the entire novel, compre-

hension could be improved.

TABLE OF CO NTENTS

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS................

LISTOFTABLES.....................

LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS . . . . .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. ..

Chapter

I. INTRODUCTION...............

II. MAKING THE ADAPTATION . . . . . . . . .. .. .. .. .

Selecting a Novel and Developing a Story Line
Writing the Scenario and the Reading Script
The Scenario for the Reading Script

III. STUDENT COMPREHENSION AND REACTION . . . .
Test Groups and Procedure
Student Reaction to the Performances
Interpretation of the Results

IV. CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS . . . ..

APPENDICES O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O .0 0

BI BUOGRAPHY O O O O O 0 O O O O O O O 0 O O O O O 0

viii

Page
ii

ix

22

37
42

146

ix
LIST OF TABLES

Table Page
1‘. Distribution of Test Scores . . . . . . . . . . 24

2. Tabulated Responses from the Questionnaire . . . . 28

LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS

Page
The Reading Cast of David Copperfield . . . . . . . . . 145
The Cast During Dress Rehearsal in Studio Theatre . . . 146
Close-up of David narrating, Dr. Chillips and Aunt

Betsy (Harry Dingman, Peter Marquartie, Joy
Hartfelder) in scene one of Act I. . . . . . . . . . . . . 147

CHAPTER I

INTRODUCTION

In college preparatory English classes throughout the
United States , high school students are required to read specific
classic novels during the school year and then discuss the plots and
characters during their regular class periods . Examples of the tradi-
tional choices by grades are: Ivanhoe, grade 9, A Tale of Two Cities ,
The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, and Silas Marner, grade 10, and
David Copperfield, grade 11.

Each of these novels requires a high level of reading
proficiency on the part of the high school student if he is to obtain
an intelligent interpretation of the printed page. Unfortunately, not
all college preparatory English students in our public schools come
into class with the necessary reading skills which will enable them
to enjoy these classics . Those students who are deficient in some
reading skills become discouraged with the daily reading assignments .
The pages of the text may contain innumerable unfamiliar vocabulary
words . The long introductory chapters which set the stage for the
complex plot and introduce the novel's main characters tend to bore
the unskilled reader and make him unresponsive to class discussion
and, consequently, a behavior problem to the teacher.

In addition to the unskilled reader, there are students

who lack the keen perception to follow the subleties of fine descriptive

passages or the development of the complex plot and main characters .
Many of these readers can be partially aided by the instructor through
drill in vocabulary, mimeographed diagrams of the characters and the
plot, and through oral reading in class of the difficult passages from
the text.

Past experience has shown that when an English in-
structor has large class enrollments and his students exhibit a wide
range of reading ability, these techniques may prove to be inadequate
for the unskilled reader. However, it is thought that the unskilled
reader could probably be more effectively stimulated to understand and
appreciate the novel if the instructor either introduced it through a
Reading Theatre adaptation or concluded the class study of the novel by
using a Reading Theatre adaptation.

Consequently, the problem of adapting the required
reading classic novel, David Copperfield by Charles Dickens, for oral
interpretation was chosen with the intent to evaluate the effectiveness
of the Reading Theatre as a technique for supplementing the high school
student's comprehension and enjoyment of the novel.

To help clarify the basic terms referred to in the preceding
paragraphs and throughout this paper, these definitions follow:

A classical novel is a work of literature of the highest
rank and of acknowledged excellence; for example, The Adventures of

Huckleberry Finn and David Copperfield.

 

3

Oral interpretation is defined as "the re-creation of the
meaning on the printed page by means of voice and body which suggest
to an audience the life created by the author. . .the life is imprisoned in
the printing until released by the reader and shared with the audience. . .
Reading aloud appeals wholly to the imagination of the audience, allowing
it to picture in the mind's eye the story or idea or emotion. "1

Adaptation is the type-written manuscript obtained by
selecting suitable passages of dialogue and narration from a novel that
will tell the story in such a manner that oral readers can give life to
the printed page and share it with an audience.

Reading Theatre is a dramatic presentation lasting from
sixty minutes to ninety minutes in length during which readers use
"techniques for presenting the printed page with such skill as to
create in the audience the illusion that the story is being enacted be-
fore their eyes . This means a manuscript should be used. It may be
held in the hand or used on a reading stand. The voice and body
suggest, not try to be real. No actual costumes or properties may be

used. Everything is suggested. "2 Lighting effects are used to denote

a change of scene and the entrance of characters .

 

1Moiree Compere, "High School Interpretation, A
Curriculum Guide," Speech 464, Interpretation of Dramatic Literature,
Michigan State University, 1958. (Mimeographed.)

21bid .

The technique of presenting literature to an audience
through Reading Theatre is not a new idea; it dates back to the Greek
civilization when a lone actor read all the parts of a play to the audience
attending a religious festival. Centuries passed until it was used
again. In the 19th century, there was a revival of reading aloud when
two literary greats of their day were forced into doing reading perfor—
mances of their own works as a means of livelihood during financial
crises . These two authors , on different continents , who became the
early exponents of Reading Theatre were Charles Dickens in England and
Mark Twain in America .

In our own 20th century, Charles Laughton is responsible
for the Reading Theatre revival on Broadway. In 1951 he created his

" First Drama Quartette" which read Doryuan in Hell to audiences through-

 

out the United States . In recent years , two actors have won much
critical acclaim for their impersonations of the two aforementioned lit-
erary men. Emlyn Williams appeared in 1953 as a one-man Reading
Theatre in which he impersonated Charles Dickens reading from his
stories just as Dickens performed them in England. Hal Holbrook has

for the past few years been playing to packed houses on Broadway,
university campuses , and in civic centers up and down the United States .
His lively impersonation of Mark Twain lecturing, telling anecdotes , and
reading from his best loved novels is a Reading Theatre entitled "Mark

Twain Tonight . "

The first task to be undertaken in the adaptation of the

novel David Copperfield was the reading of the complete Modern Library

 

College Edition and the L. W. Singer Co. abridged edition currently

in use in the junior year college preparatory English classes at T. L.
Handy High School, Bay City, Michigan. A reading script based upon
a cutting from the abridged edition was written and used by the student
readers in the Reading Theatre production. The process of adaptation
and the working scenario are included in Chapter II, and the finished
reading script is included in the appendix.

Test data were obtained from three separate groups of
students: Group A, who only read the novel in class, Group B, who
read the novel in class and saw the Reading Theatre production, and
Group C, who my attended the production. In addition to the test data,
questionnaires were obtained from only those students who witnessed
the Reading Theatre production of the novel. The details of the testing
procedure and analysis of the results will be developed in Chapter III.
The recommendations and conclusions of this study will be discussed in
Chapter IV. The objective test used may be found in the appendix.

This paper will be limited to a discussion of the prob—
lems of script adaptation for the Reading Theatre production of the novel
David Copperfield, the test data obtained, the student reactions to the
production, and an analysis of the production performances .

Finally, recommendations for further studies and conclusions based upon

6
the analysis of the above mentioned procedures will constitute the scope

of this study.

CHAPTER II
MAKING THE ADAPTATION

Selectirigfiya Novel'and DevelopirLg a? Story Line

The selection of a novel for adaptation to Reading Theatre
should be based upon the following criteria: novels required to be
read in college preparatory English classes , adaptability of the format
and prose style of the novel, suitability of the plot and characters in
the novel, and limitations imposed in presentation.

Using these criteria as a yardstick, a list of required
reading novels was obtained from the English staff at T. L. Handy High
School; this list of the most frequently read classics included: Ivanhoe,
A Tale of Tm Cities, Silas Marner, The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn,
and David Copperfield. All of these novels were examined closely with
the accepted criterialin- mind. A final choice lay between the last two
titles . An examination of Speech Monographs , 1955, revealed that a
master's thesis had been written on a Reading Theatre production of

3 Therefore, a decision was made to

The Agyentures of Huckleberry Finn.
adapt the novel, David Copperfield.
After reading the complete edition of David Copperfield in

the Modern Library College Edition, it became apparent that the novel's

 

. 3Thomas Alton Pearson, "An Analysis of The Adventures of
_I_-I_gckleberry Firm for Oral Interpretation" (unpublished Master's thesis,
Baylor University, 1955)) ._. .

format lent itself reasonably well to a reading script. From the first
chapter to the last, David is the storyteller who relates the events of

his life in chronological order. He introduces characters from his past

in such a way that they come to life as he participates in the dialogue and
action or looks on as an observer. For this reason then, David should be
the logical narrator in the reading script.

The novel's plot divides itself into three periods of David‘s
life: his early youth and schooling, his life and friendships in London,
and his involvement in the Uriah Heep-Wickfield mystery. There are
two subplots skillfully woven throughout the story to prevent the reader
from becoming bored with David's own exploits . The first of these sub-
plots takes the reader on an intensive search by Mr. Peggotty for his
adopted child, Emily, who has eloped to the continent with David's
friend, James Steerforth. The second subplot reveals the family back-
ground of Steerforth and the relationship between him and Rosa Dartle,
the young woman whom Steerforth disfigured early in his youth by
throwing a hammer in her face. These two subplots , then, have little
relationship to David and the main plot of his story.

When considering the adaptation of a novel as complex
as Davicigopperfield, one should realize that a strong story line has to
be established to give the plot strength and unity. This can be accom-
plished only by deciding on the main story line of the novel and the '

characters which best develop it. In the novel, the story begins with

David Copperfield's birth and the reaction of his Aunt Betsy who had
planned to Christen the baby "Betsy Trotwood, " after herself. Aunt
Betsy departs abruptly when she is told that the baby is a Iggy and not
a girl as she had hoped. Aunt Betsy later becomes a strong influence
in David's life and vital to the main story line. When his. widowed
mother, Clara Copperfield, marries the stern disciplinarian, Mr. Murdstone,
David is sent away from his child-like mother and his nursemaid, Peggotty,
to a boarding school for young boys . Mr. Murdstone has already left
deep scars on the impressionable young boy, and'Daviid, in turn, has left
the scars of his own teeth on the hand of Mr. Murdstone. The harsh
treatment by Mr. Murdstone creates sympathy in the reader for David.
On the other hand, his nurse, Peggotty, furnishes the
motherly love that is necessary in David's life. She comforts him
after he is beaten and sent to his room without supper. Peggotty
is also attentive to David's questions on the proposed marriage between
his mother and Mr. Murdstone.
David's adventures at boarding school introduce us to
James Steerforth who acts as David's protector from the taunts of other
boys , and he also encourages David's storytelling ability. Also at
school, we meet Tommy Traddles , a boy who is always getting "caned" ‘
as an example to the other boys . Later in the story, we see him as a
young law student who aids in the exposure of the evil Uriah Heep.

The death of David's mother, his acquaintance with ‘

10

Mr. and Mrs . Micawber while working in London for Murdstone—Grinby,
and finally his reuniting with Aunt Betsy bring David Copperfield's story
to its first plateau. Now what kind of life will he lead under Aunt Betsy's
influence? David's life begins to change under her wise guidance and
watchful eyes . A more confident boy emerges . He is sent to school
again and strikes up a close friendship with the girl who is destined to
become his second wife and the mother of his children.

While working for Murdstone-Grinby in the wine trade,
David's close relationship with his landlord, Mr. Micawber, not only
adds comedy to David's story but also teaches the impressionable boy
what the mismanagement of money can do to one's life. It is Mr. Micawber
who plays such a large role in the exposure of Uriah Heep and recovers
his lost esteem by this show of forcefulness and clever detective work.
More comedy relief is provided by the advice of Mr. Dick, whom we meet
at Aunt Betsy's .

Mr. Wickfield, David's landlord in Canterbury and
Aunt Betsy's legal adviser, is vital to our story. His steady drinking
and his turning mere and more business responsibility over to Uriah Heep
causes great concern to his daughter, Agnes. It is Mr. Wickfield's
poor handling of Aunt Betsy's investments that results in her coming to
David for support during her financial crisis .

Agnes Wickfield, child housekeeper for her father, be-

comes David's confidential adviser during his first love affairs and

11
early marriage to child-like Dora Spenlow. But it is Agnes who must come
to David for advice and assistance to help free her father from the villainy
of the "'umble" Uriah Heep.

Several minor characters are necessary to the main plot
line since their action helps to complete the chain of events in David's
life: Dr. Chillip is the family doctor who delivers David and then
breaks the news to Aunt Betsy which results in her sudden departure.

Mr. Quinion, manager of the counting house which first employs David,
introduces Mr. Micawber to David in the story, and thus serves as a
vital link in the plot. Completing the masculine influence in David's
story is Mr. Sharp, a teacher, who calls David in from the playground
to hear an announcement which will alter the course of his life. This
announcement is delivered by Mrs. Creakle, the headmaster's wife, who
informs David that his mother has passed away. The remaining character
is Mrs. Heep, Uriah's "'umble" mother. She is the dominant influence
over Uriah Heep, and her honest actions help to expose him and clear
up the financial mysteries of Mr. Wickfield. Her pleadings to her son,
Uriah, assist in breaking down his confidence and returning him to the
"'umble" station in life he once experienced before greed took possess-
ion of him.

Since the novel David Copperfield contains scores of
characters , it became necessary to omit many of the memorable minor

characters who played a small part in the main story line and also all but

12
one, J. Steerforth, of the secondary characters featured in the two sub-
plots of this lengthy work of fiction. Those secondary characters regret—
fully omitted were: Emily, Mr. Daniel Peggotty, Ham Peggotty, Mrs.
Gummidge, Martha, Mr. Omer, Mr. Barkis, Doctor Strong, Mrs. Murdstone,
Rosa Dartle, Mrs . Steerforth, Littimer, and Dora Spenlow who became David's

first wife.

Writinlthe Scenario and the Reading Script

Before the scenario was written, a second reading of the
novel was undertaken. The L. W. Singer Co. abridged edition was read
because it is the paperback edition used by the students at T. L. Handy
High School. Much extraneous material in the original plot of the novel
is omitted and the numerous colorful characters not essential to the
plot have also been cut out in this edition. It was from this edition
that the scenario was finally written and the reading cuttings were made.

The scenario is the scene by scene outline of the story
from its introduction to its conclusion. The action within each
scene is linked together by a series of conjunctions: and, but, conse-
quently, therefore. The page numbers from the text where these scenes
may be found should be listed beside each scene.

As was stated in the first half of this chapter, the novel
pgid Copperfield has two strong subplots in the story. The problem
in writing the scenario was to eliminate these subplots and concentrate

on building a strong continuity of thought. This task was accomplished

13
by using David as the narrator. In this role, he could relate only those
scenes of his life which helped to develop the central plot line and intro-
duce only the major characters who contributed in perpetuating this plot
line. This device resulted in producing a scenario which contained only
eighteen short scenes and introduced eighteen characters .

Some limit on the length of the reading script had to be set.
This problem was attacked with the aid of mathematics . The abridged
edition of _D_ayid Copperfield was found to contain an average of 39 . 8
lines per page and ‘an average of 13. 3 words per line. This averages
out to 520 words per page of text. Since an oral reader can read
distinctly at about 140 to 150 words per minute, he could read a page
of this text in approximately three minutes and forty-six seconds . At
that rate, he could read about twenty-six pages in a ninety minute
period. Ninety minutes was considered the maximum amount of time
that the attention of high school students could be held in this program.
Using these figures as a guide, the reading script was begun.

The reading script was written so that David would intro-
duce each scene, participate in as much of the dialogue as necessary,
and narrate the transitions from scene to scene by briefly telling what
had transpired in the intervening years . The story is told in three acts:
Act I., David's early youth and schooling, Act II, David as a young man
in London and Canterbury, and Act III, the Heep-Wickfield mystery.

It is in Act I that David's family background is established.

14
Some of his close friendships are formed while attending his first
school at Salem House and while working for Murdstone-Grinby in
London. It is at the conclusion to this act that David is brought to
Canterbury where he meets his future wife and is introduced to the
story's villain, Uriah Heep. We have the interest carry over of Uriah
Heep in Act II. David becomes involved in problems of finance in-
directly caused by Heep. Aunt Betsy's financial condition forces David
to find a job to support the two of them. Gradually, more importance is
given to the mystery surrounding the affairs of Mr. Wickfield and his
clerk, Uriah Heep. In Act III, after Uriah Heep succeeds in becoming
Wickfield's partner, David is instrumental in helping to dissolve the
mystery of the Wickfield-beep partnership. Mr. Micawber receives
a new lease on life for his major part of investigator and prosecutor of
Uriah Heep, and David Copperfield emerges from the affair with the ma-

turity that helps him to later become a successful writer and family man.

15
Scenario For ReadinLScmt Of
The N0vel David COpperfiéld
Act I, Scene One - "I am Born'l (pages 1 through 4, 6, and 7).
David relates the circumstances of his mother's widowhood and Aunt Betsy's
marriage separation.
and
Aunt Betsy Trotwood appears to comfort the expectant Mrs . Copperfield
and disappears in discontent when a boy is born.
Scene Two - David is Sent Away to School by his Stepfather,
Mr. Murdstone (pages 34, 35, and 37, and 57).
He meets J. Steerforth and Tommy Traddles who became his close friends
(pages 53, 54, and 57).
and
David tells Steerforth Stories .
Scene Three - (pages 97 through 99) (pages 101 through 107)
Since David's mother died, David is told by his stepfather, Mr. Murdstone,
that he will have to begin working for his living.
and
David starts work at Murdstone and Grinby warehouse and is introduced
,to his landlord, Mr. Micawber.
Scene Four - David is taken to meet Mrs. Micawber
and family (pages 110 and 111).

David discovers Micawber's drastic financial condition. Micawber

16
is to be put into jail, and then offers David some advice on life.
Scene Five - David decides to run away from Murdstone's
and Grinby's and to go to Aunt Betsy.
consequently
David is reunited with his aunt who is bewildered at first,
but
She quickly takes command of the situation and seeks the advice of
Mr. Dick.
and
David is given the new name of Trotwood, "Trot. "
Scene Six - David is taken to Mr. Wickfield's and
left to board and room while at school.
David first meets Agnes , Mr. Wickfield's daughter.
and
David also meets Uriah Heep,'the "humble" person and law clerk of
Mr. Wickfield.
End of Act I
Act II, Scene One - (pages 158 - 160)
Aunt Betsy decides David should now make up his mind about a vocation.
and
David chooses the profession of proctor at Doctor's Commons (pages 199,
200 at top). I

consequently

17
David and Aunt Betsy choose a set of rooms for his bachelor quarters .
Scene Two - (pages 216 - 217)
David relates meeting Tommy Traddles again at a dinner given by
Mr. Wickfield. They exchanged addresses and plan to meet when
Traddles is in London again.
and
David visits with Agnes and she tells him of her father's poor physical
condition and excess drinking (pages 163 - 165' and ’214 - 216; pages
263 - 264).
Scene Three — (page 223)
David visits Traddles and learns he is "reading for the bar. " He also
discovers Traddles' landlord is Mr. Micawber (pages 225 - 226).
and
Mr. Micawber does not recognize David at first. Mrs. Micawber faints
at seeing David again.
and
David invites Traddles and the Micawbers to supper at a future date.
Scene Four - (pages 227 - 240)
David has his three old friends over for the promised supper.
Mr. Micawber makes a bowl of punch, and they feast upon a leg of
mutton.
and

Micawber reveals that he is out of work again. Mrs. Micawber suggests

18

he advertise for a job.

but
Micawbers leave before Traddles departs (page 231).

consequently

David warns Traddles not to lend Micawber any money,

but
Traddles has already lent him money on another bill,

Scene Five - (page 258)

David is visited by his Aunt Betsy, and she tells him she is ruined
financially ,

and
She plans to live with David for a short time.

consequently
Aunt Betsy gives David words of encouragement:
"We must meet reverses boldly, and not suffer them to frighten
us, my dear. "
and then

Agnes visits them, and relates that Heep and his mother moved into the
Wickfield house (page 264) .

and
They talk of Aunt Betsy's losses . Aunt Betsy reveals how poorly Mr.
Wickfield handled her investments , and she now has only the cottage

to rent for an income.

19
consequently
David decides to take up shorthand and report the debates in Parliament
to earn money (page 271) .
Scene Six - (pages 272, 273, 274)
David receives a letter from Mr. Micawber stating he has found a job,
and
David goes to see Micawber at his home to learn more about the new
Job.
consequently
Micawber tells David that he has taken a position as confidential clerk
to Uriah Heep.
End of Act II
Act III, Scene One - (page 283)
David visits the Wickfield home
. and
Finds Micawber happily working for Heep
but
David and Mr. Wickfield are told by Heep of his intention to marry Agnes
Wickfield (pages 287 — 288) .‘ .
consequently
Mr. Wickfield is greatly upset by Heep's intention, and he reveals his
weaknesses and regrets to David.

Scene Two - (pages 346, 347, 348)

20

David receives an urgent letter from Micawber calling for a meeting
outside King's Prison,

and
David visits Traddles and discovers that he has received a letter from
Mrs . Micawber.

Scene Three - (page 349)

David and Traddles meet Micawber, and when the name "Uriah Heep"
is mentioned, Micawber explodes in reviling Heep,

and
Micawber is invited to visit Aunt Betsy with them to help him relieve
his troubled mind (page 350).
Mr. Micawber unbudens himself and discloses that Uriah Heep is at
the bottom of all his trouble.

consequently

Micawber unleases a vehement attack upon Heep "the immortal hypocrite
and perjurer" and he vows revenge,

and
Micawber informs them that he plans a disclosure of an "important
nature" and leaves for the Wickfield-Heep office to arrange the meeting
(page 370).

Scene Four — (page 371)

David, his aunt, and Traddles, and Mr. Dick meet at the Wickfield-

Heep office, and Uriah Heep suspects this is more than a social call.

21

and
Micawber enters and begins his exposure of Heep by reading the charges
against him (pages 376, 377, 379).

and
Uriah protests the accusations.

consequently
Heep is threatened with Maidstone Jail if he refuses to cooperate in
releasing the account books and the deed of relinquishment to all property.
and so

Heep is a broken man forced to give up his ill-gotten gains . He breaks
down and brings in the deed and box of legal papers and accounts (page 381) .

but
As Heep leaves, he pauses and confesses to David: "Copperfield, I
have always hated you. You've always been an upstart, and you've always
been against me. " (page 383)

Scene Five - Aunt Betsy suggests to Micawber that he
emigrate to Australia, and she offers to finance the adventure with a loan.
and then in closing

David brings the story up-to-date relating the good fortune of the

emigrants , Micawber and family, and his own marriage to Agnes .

)‘1 ?..|| (II.

22

CHAPTER III
STUDENT COMPREHENSION AND REACTION

Teist Groups and Procedure

Three groups of students participated in this study at
T. L. Handy High School, Bay City, Michigan. All of the students
were juniors enrolled in college preparatory English classes during
the school year of 1959 - 1960. The student groups were divided and
followed this procedure: Group A, consisting of 21 students , only read
the abridged edition of the novel in class and were administered a 50
question test in class after they had completed reading and discussing
David Ccmperfield‘. Group B, consisting of 25 students, read the novel
in class and later in the school year attended the Reading Theatre pro-
duction. Group C, consisted of 40 students from two classes who had
39; read the novel in class and they attended the Reading Theatre pro—
duction only. Both Groups B and C were administered the same 50
question test given Group A.

The testing of student comprehension over 126314
Copperfield was considered a requirement in this study. It was thought
that the Reading Theatre production would have some value as a
teaching technique in improving the comprehension of students who
had read the novel. In order to test this thesis , a 50 question objec—

tive test was prepared based upon the adaptation of the L. W. Singer

23
abridged edition of David Copperfield. The test consisted of 20 multiple-
choice questions; 15 true-false statements and 15 matching vocabu-

lary words . Table 1 shows the distribution of the test scores .

24

TABLE I

DISTRIBUTION 01" TEST SCORES

 

 

Group A Group B Group C
Score Frequency Score Frequency Score Frequency
50 0 50 0 50-40 0
49 0 49 0 39 0
48 0 48 0 38 0
47 1 47 0 37 2
46 0 46 1 36 3
45 0 45 0 35 l
44 1 44 4 34 1
43 l 43 0 33 2
42 0 42 2 32 0
41 l 41 l 31 l
40 4 40 2 30 0
39 4 39 2 29 0
38 1 38 0 28 l
37 1 37 5 27 2
36 1 36 0 26 l
35 l 35 l 25 1
34 0 34 1 24 2
33 0 33 3 23 l
32 l 32 O 22 l
31 0 31 0 21 3
30 l 30 2 20 4
29 2 29 0 l9 1
28 0 28 0 l8 4
’27 _l 27 0 17 2
21 26 _1 16 1
37.333 25 15 0
mean score 37. 76 14 2
rnean.score l3 1
12 0
ll 0
10 0
9 0
8 _1_
40
23.20

mean score

25

An analysis of the test scores of the three groups
revealed that the mean score of Group A was 37. 33, Group B was
37. 76, and Group C was 23.20. It was believed that Group B would
have a higher mean score on the test than it made. A time lapse of
over six months prevailed from the time the novel was read in class
to the time the Reading Theatre production was seen. It was not until
late in the school year that the reading script was completed and student
readers were available for rehearsals for the Reading Theatre produc-
tion. This time lapse may account for the absence of a significant
difference between the scores of Groups A and B.

A more detailed statistical analysis of the standard
error of difference between the mean scores of Groups A, B, and C
was obtained by using the statistical formula for finding small "t. "3
The actual error ofdifference between the means of Groups A and B
was .174. From this we may conclude that there is no significant
difference between the means of A and B. Therefore, it may reasonably
be concluded that seeing the Reading Theatre production did not add
to the test scores of Group B. The actual error of difference between
the mean scores of Groups A and C was 4. 302 which shows a signifi-

cant difference between the scores of A and C. The actual error of

difference between the means of Groups B and C was 4.41 , and this

 

3Quinn McNeman, Psychological Statistics (New York:
John Wiles and Sons, Inc. , 1955), pp. 104-105.

26
likewise reveals a significant difference between the scores of B and C.
The actual error of difference in the mean scores of A vs C and B vs C,
according to the small "t" formula, prove that in less than 1 per cent

of the time would you get a difference of this size by chance.

Student Reaction to the Performances
Two performances of the Reading Theatre production of

David Copperfield were given: the first was held on May 26, 1960,

 

and the second on June 2, 1960., The two performances , a week apart,
were necessary due to the scheduling of extra-curricular events which
would not allow all the students in Groups B and C to attend the first
performance.

The production was staged in the Studio Theatre of T. L.
Handy High School. The room is a multi-purpose radio—drama, speech,
and English area equipped with sliding sound—absorbing doors . It has
a seating capacity of approximately 125 movable student-arm desks
which can be turned toward the raised stage for dramatic performances .

The student readers for the performance were dressed in
black trousers or skirts and white shirts or blouses . They read from
manuscripts resting on three reading stands andla podium. This podium
was used by the narrator throughout the performance. .Musical back-
ground accompanied the beginning and conclusion of each act, and
spotlighting was used on the narrator and each reader when he appeared

during each scene. The performance lasted approximately ninety minutes

27
including two intermissions after Acts I and 11.

Students from Groups B and C were given a question-
naire by their instructors which was filled out either right after the
performance or the next day in class . Of the 65 students in Groups
B and C, 62 of them turned in questionnaires on the performance.

There were six questions asked the students in the
questionnaire: 1. Did you enjoy hearing the novel read aloud?

2. Were you able to follow the story line or plot? 3. Were the
characters developed clearly by the readers ? 4. Would you consider
this type of program a satisfactory technique to: a. interest you in
reading the novel on your own? b. introduce the novel to you before
studying it in the classroom? and 5 . Was the Reading Theatre pro—
duction too long?

The questionnaire left choices for both a "yes" and
"no" answer plus room for written comments under each question.

Taking each question in turn, the reactions and comments were divided
into four classifications: highly positive, qualified positive (yes answer
with some negative comment), negative, and no response.

In response to question 1. Did you enjoy hearing the novel
read aloud? , there were 55 highly positive answers given. Some of
the comments were very favorable and showed a definite need was being
filled by the Reading Theatre production. The comments ran as follows:

"I think the novel seemed more realistic, hearing it read aloud with the

TABLE 2

TABULATED RESPONSES FROM QUESTIONNAIRES

Questions

1. Did you enjoy hearing
the novel read aloud?

2 . Were you able to fol—
low the story or plot?

3. Were the characters de-
veloped clearly by the
readers ?

4. Would you consider this
type of program a satis-
factory technique:

a. to interest you in
reading the novel
on your own?

b. To introduce the novel
to you before studying
it in the classroom?

5. Was the Reading Theatre
program too long ?

Highly
PositiVe

55

48

58

40

55

31

* No response given to the question.

Responses

Qualified
Positive

10

Negative

20

25

28

NR"

29
different voice variations . " "I enjoyed the expressions that were
put in. I understood more of what the characters were like due to
their expression. " "It helped me to understand the book better than
when I read it. " "The reading was helpful in bringing out the important
characters more clearly. Also the more important details were brought
out while the minor ones were passed over. " and finally, ”I can get
a lot more out of it when it is read aloud. If I read it myself, I can't
concentrate on the story." Analyzed as a group, these and other highly
positive responses to question "1." clearly indicate the students en-
joyed the reading presentation.

The one qualified answer to question "1. " stated,

"I would have enjoyed it more if you had included the other parts .
Having read the book, the story seemed like it wasn't complete. How-
ever, I tried looking at it from the other side and it seemed like a good
story."

Some of the typical negative comments to question"l . "
indicated that the length of the program affected their enjoyment: "It
was monotonous after the first act. The readers should have had some
simple costumes on. " "Being of considerable length, the program
became quite boring. And the two short intermissions seemed to be
of- little compensation. " and finally, "I do not like plays read aloud. "

After question "2 . " Were you able to follow the story line

or plot? , there were 48 highly positive responses . The comments seemed

30
to indicate that the story line could be followed easily. Some of them
stated: "It was very easy to follow. They put it in such a way that
I think anyone could follow it. " "The narrator put the plot across with
good reading. " "The plot of the story was outlined good, and there
was a lot more to the plot in hearing it read than I can remember in
reading it myself. " and "The points of the story were in logical order,
and it ran smoothly from one point to the next. The narration did a
lot to hold both the plot and story line together. "

The 10 qualified answers to question "2 . ” indicated a
variety of reasons why some of the plot was missed or misunderstood:
"Too many characters to follow each one very well. " "At times I could
follow all the people but other times their reading seemed as though
they were reading a dictionary." (indicating Mr. Micawber) . The remainder
of the comments mentioned that they could follow the story because they
had read the novel in class .

Of the 4 negative comments to question "2. " two stu-
dents indicated that the cast read too fast, one had to leave before
the end of Act III, and one student thought the plot "seemed to skip around
a‘lOt."'

In response to question "3. " Were the characters clearly
developed by the readers ? , 58 students gave highly positive answers:
"I thought that the persons who read were very much like the people

in the book. They did a very good job. " "The character of Aunt Betsy,

31

to me, was very vividly portrayed." "The characters were developed

very well and portrayed excellently by the readers . Aunt Betsy's person-

ality was developed very well for example. " ”Yes , especially Uriah

Heep. He acted so hateful just like, in the story."

Of the 4 qualified answers to question “3.1" two of them

singled out the narrator as needing improvement: "David's voice be-

came dull after a while; he should have had more expression. This

was partly the cause of it seeming so long." and "It seems as though it

would have been easier to understand David's character if he did not

have to do all the narration also. However, David did an excellent

job, as did the others . " The two remaining comments stated in effect

that some of the readers were very good, and some left much to be
desired. There were no negative responses , so we may assume that
the readers did develop their characters clearly so that the personalities
s tood out clearly.
Question "4. " Would you consider this type of program

a S atisfactory technique to: a. interest you in reading the novel on

your own? and b. introduce the novel to you before studying it in the

Ola ssroom? There were 40 highly positive responses to part a. Some

Cc>rl'il'nents stated: "I would want to know more about the book after

S eeing this reading. " "It arouses your interest with just a few facts ,

enough to make you want to read it. ” "Such a technique would act as

a
review for the reading of fine literature. " and finally, "After hearing

32
parts of the novel read, a person becomes curious to read the whole
novel to see what else it tells about. "

The one qualified response to question "4a." was that:
"The portrayal is so well done that I would read it at some later date. "
However, on the negative side, 20 comments seemed
to be of the opinion that the program would not interest them in
reading the novel on their own. Typical examples were: "This type
of story doesn't interest me. " "I don't like to read that well, and if
I do, I like a story more up to date. " "After hearing it, I see no rea-
son for reading it again. " and finally "Reading the book would not be
as interesting after hearing the reading because it would not hold my
interest in the book. I would already know the plot and climax. "
Analysis of responses to question "4b. " indicated 55
highly positive answers . Many indicated that the Reading Theatre could
be best used as a preview or review of the novel: "In a novel with as
many plots as David Copperfield, a clear presentation like this one to
fix the characters in mind is very helpful prior to reading the entire
no Vel. " "I feel any preliminary introduction to a section of study in
any class is a good idea. " "The student would know what to expect.
A13 0 , many of the chapters were not clear, but this preview would ex—
plai n a great deal. " "I feel it would give a splendid background ma-
t erial for class reading and discussion. " "When this type of program is

Ll .
8 ed to introduce you to this novel, it makes the novel much ea51er

33
to read because the language in the book is difficult. " and finally,
”It gave a good description of the characters . It would probably in—
terest people more than just starting out to read it and not knowing
anything about it. "

Two qualified positive responses wrote, "If the reading
were as extensive as this one, I feel as if a discussion would be suf-
ficient after it, rather than a complete reading of the book. " and
"However, I think it would spoil the story for the English student to
learn the main plot of the story and then have to learn the smaller
plots and details later. It's more fun to read a story when you don't
know what's going to happen next." Two students did not respond.

The three negative responses to question "4b. " gave

a variety of reasons: "After hearing this , you would hear too much of
the story, and it would seem to be a waste of time to do the story just to
I earn more about the plot. " "Our teacher introduced us to the story
before we read it. " and "I think it would mean more to a student who
has read the book, because then he could see the full picture and
S ummarize the plot. "
To the last question, number 5, Was the Reading Theatre
program too long? , there were 31 highly positive answers of "yes,"
4 gm alified "yes" and 25 negative "no. " Two students did not respond
to ‘EZhe question. The suitable time lengths suggested for a program

0 .
f this nature were: one and one-half hours , one hour, two hours, and

34

the remainder varied from one hundred nineteen minutes to forty-five

minutes . One qualified response stated, "It seemed long, but it also

would be difficult to out without losing the main idea of the story."

Interpretation of Results

The comprehension test scores of Groups A, B, and C

did not substantiate the hypothesis of this writer. Group A achieved
This may

a mean score of 37. 33 which was higher than anticipated.
be accounted for by the fact that this group was administered the

50 point test just after they had completed reading and discussing the

mvel. While Group B achieved a mean score of 37. 76, it was several

points lower than the score anticipated. The fact is that this group was

not tested until several months after they had read the novel and had

5 een the Reading Theatre production. This was due to the length of

ti me needed to write the reading script and the delay in securing a

This time lapse of some six months undoubtedly

cast of student readers .
Consequently ,

led to some forgetting on the part of students in Group B.

S eeing the Reading Theatre production did not sufficiently refresh their
IT! emories, as it was surmised, to enable them to make higher scores on
the objective test. Even Group C did not score as high as anticipated,
Ina king a mean score of only 23.20. One would think that the law of
averages would enable them to attain a higher score out of 50 possible
points. However, on further analysis of the objective test used, it was

f - .
ound that the 15 matching questions (adjectives to corresponding

35
characters) caused Group C the most trouble. Since the students had
pppread the novel, it is logical to believe that many of them could not
successfully match the adjectives to the characters they described.
These questions were included to test the understanding of Groups A
and B who had read the novel.

Also one should take into account the time factor of
Group C's exposure to the plot of the novel. They witnessed a
Reading Theatre production lasting approximately ninety minutes ,
while Groups A and B studied the same novel in class for a period of
six weeks. In addition, the effort extended by Group C in-zmerely
attending the Reading Theatre production and then filling out a
questionnaire was very slight in comparison to A and 8 Groups .
Groups A and B read daily assignments , participated in class dis-
cussion, and took weekly quizes over the plot, characters , and vocabu-
lary in orderto earn a grade for the six-week marking period. On the
other hand, Group C's test scores were not included in scholastic
averages for the marking period. It is surprising, in view of these
facts , that the students in Group C did as well on the test as they did.

In final analysis of the questionnaire responses, one
may say that the Reading Theatre production of David Copperfield was
successful in stimulating the students to enjoy oral reading of the
novel, in enabling them to follow the story line, and in helping them

to analyze and understand the characters and their problems . This

36
techniquegwbmd. be: welcomed by students as a means of introducing
them to the novel before they read it in class or as a review after
reading it. On the other end of our evaluation scales , this technique
of Reading Theatre would not interest all students to read the novel on
their own. At least one-third of the students professed the opinion
that they would have no interest in reading the novel after they had
seen a Reading Theatre production of it. It is also the majority opinion
of students that the time limit for this type of program should be ppp

more than sixty minutes with two adequate intermissions .

37

CHAPTER IV

CO NOLUSIO NS 'AND RECO M=ME NDATIO NS '

Analysis of the test data and the student questionnaires

based upon the Reading Theatre production of David Copperfield will

 

enable one to draw the following conclusions:

Students enjoy listening to good interpretive reading
of classic novels , and this Reading Theatre adaptation of the novel
could be most helpful to the students if it introduced them to the novel
prior to their studying it in class . However, the Reading Theatre adap-
tation could be used as well as a review at conclusion of class study.

Reading Theatre could be helpful to the student in clari-
fying the novel's story line and personalities of the characters , but
if too many characters are introduced, students may become confused
and lose interest in the plot of the story. The reading script should be
written around a strong central plot and contain as few minor characters
as are necessary to support the story line.

Students who see the Reading Theatre production of the
novel may not be motiviated to read the novel on their own. Too)
much of the novel's plot may be revealed to them, and thus spoil their
interest in independent reading of the novel. However, some students'

curiosity may be arousedgin characters they see, and they may wish to

38

explore the novel further on their own.
The time limit of Reading Theatre adaptations should not

A production running longer than

be more than sixty minutes as a rule.
Long speeches and difficult

this may tend to bore high school students .
vocabulary words cause students to lose interest if they persist through—

out the production. The action of the story should move rapidly and the
speeches kept to not more than one minute in length for any one character

in a scene. Students tend to be poor judges of time at a performance; a
slow moving production may seem longer to them than it actually is .

Students who have read a novel and then have seen a

Reading Theatre production of it appreciate the characterizations more

and have a deeper understanding of the plot than those students who

This enrichment may be due to the fact that

hails Sanity read the novel.

more time and effort has been expended in their study of the novel than
However,

those who simply have read and discussed the novel in class .

they may not achieve a higher comprehension than the students who only

re ad and discuss the novel, and the difference between their mean scores

may be insignificant. On the other end of the scale, students who only
S ee a Reading Theatre production of the novel may not achieve mean test

3 Cotes which are as high as students who have read the novel or those
Students who have both read the novel and seen the Reading Theatre pro—
duction of it. This lack of comprehension may be due both to the factors

of lack of time devoted to discussion of the plot and characters and the

39
lack of effort expended in seeing the Reading Theatre production.
Also the factor of compulsory attendance may have prejudiced the students
against seeing the production. Students who attend willingly may make a
more attentive audience and thus comprehend more from seeing the
Reading Theatre production.
It is the conclusion of this writer that a Reading Theatre

production may be used successfully to supplement the comprehension

 

and enjoyment of a classic novel if it is used either as an introduction
to the novel or as a review after reading the novel in class . It is
thought that more comprehension may be achieved if the Reading Theatre
production and the class study of the novel follow more closely upon
one another, and also that discussion follow the attendance of the
production.

Recommendations for future studies in the use of Reading
Theatre productions include the following novels and topics:

Silas Marner: This novel has interest and colorful
characters . The first few chapters giving the background of the miser
and describing the English country life prior to the industrial revolution
may be a problem to the adaptor. The story is a very heartwarming one,
and it appeals to students once they get through the introductory chapters.

The Canterbury Tales include some interesting stories
told in narrative style. The tales are too numerous to include them all,

but several of the most interesting could well be adapted to Reading Theatre.

40

The Red Badgp of Courage has been recorded by Edmond
O'Brien for "Epic" Records, a subsidiary of Columbia Records. The
story is written in excellent narrative style. The hero and his brothers-
in-arms supply the necessary dialogue. Seeing the facial expressions
and gestures in a Reading Theatre production would add much to the
understanding of the horror of war and its effects upon men.

Another natural work of literature that appeals to high
school students and which would lend itself well to Reading Theatre
is The Diary of a YomGirl by Anne Frank. In her autobiography Anne
is the narrator of her experiences in living in the loft of a warehouse
in Holland during the Nazi invasion and occupation of her country.
The plot is told in flashbacks from the time the family is forced into
hiding until they are discovered by the Nazi police two years later.
An adaptor may have some problem with the conclusion of the story when
the family cat makes a disturbance which alerts the police and with the
sound of footsteps from the searching men. The stage and motion
picture versions were well done, but, if the reader of Anne Frank is
well cast and can read with intelligence and feeling for the character,
the audience can visualize the setting and physical aspects of the
situation.

This writer would recommend that further studies in
Reading Theatre should include the comparative effectiveness of a

classic novel adapted for radio, stage, motion pictures, or television

41
with that for Reading Theatre.
A second study may be made to determine if a closer
follow-up between reading a novel and seeing a Reading Theatre pro-
duction would produce higher mean scores than those obtained from

only reading the novel and discussing it in class .

APPE NDIX

The Reading Script for the Reading
Theatre Production: of '
Devi-ii”, Cepperfi’feld

Objective Test on David Cmerfield

Illustrations

Adi III-

Scene One: The stage is bare except for three reading stands, one
near stage right and two stage center. The stage remains
dark until:.a single spot comes up on stage right stand.
The narrator, David Copperfield, begins to read:

DAVID

Whether I shall turn out to be the hero of my own life, or whether that

station will be held by anybody else, these pages must show. To begin

my life with the beginning, I record that I was born on a Friday, at twelve

o'clock at night. It was remarked that the clock began to strike, and I

began to cry, simultaneously. I was born at-Blunderstone, in Suffolk, or

"thereby, " as they say in Scotland. I was a posthumous child. My

father's eyes had closed upon the light of this world six months when

mine opened on it. An aunt of my father's , and consequently a great
aunt of mine, of whom II have more to. relate byarid by, was the principal
magnate of our family. My poor mother always called her Miss Trotwood
or Miss Betsy when she sufficiently overcame dread of this formidable
personage to mention her at all (which was seldom). Aunt Betsy lived

in a cottage in a hamlet on the seacoast a long way off with one servant,

and was understood to live secluded in an inflexible retirement. My

father had once been a favorite of hers , I believe, but she was mortally
affronted by his marriage on the ground that my mother was a "wax doll. "

She had never seen my mother, but she knew her to be not yet twenty.

This was the state of matters on the afternoon of that eventful and important

44
Friday. Mother was sitting by the fire, that bright and windy March
afternoon, very timid and sad, when, lifting her eyes as she dried
them, to the window opposite, she saw a strange lady coming up the
garden. My mother had a sure foreboding at the second glance that it
was Aunt Betsy. When she reached the house, she gave proof of her
identity. My father had often hinted that she seldom conducted her-
self like any ordinary Christian: and now, instead of ringing the
bell, she came and looked in at that identical window, pressing the
end of her nose against the glass to that extent that my poor dear
mother used to say it became perfectly flat and white in a moment. My
mother had left her chair in agitation, and gone behind it in a corner.
Miss Betsy, looking around the room, slowly and inquiringly began on
the other side and carried her eyes on until they reached my mother.
Then she made a frown and a gesture to my mother like one who was
accustomed to being obeyed, to come and open the door. My mother
went. (spots up on center actorS' reading stands)

MISS BETSY
Mrs. David Copperfield, I think.
CLARA
Yes
MISS BETSY

Miss Trotwood. You have heard of her, I dare say? Now you see her.

Well, when do you expect . . . ?

45
CLARA
I am all in a tremble. I don't know what's the matter. I shall die,
I am sure!
MISS BETSY
No, no,, no. Have some tea.
CLARA
Oh, dear me, dear me. Do you think it will do me any good?
MISS BETSY
Of course it will. It's nothing but fancy. What do you call your
servant ?
CLARA
Peggotty.
MISS BETSY
Peggotty! Do you mean to say, child, that any human being has gone
into a Christian church and got herself named Peggotty?
CLARA
It's her surname. Mr. Copperfield called her by it, because her Christian
name was the same as mine.
MISS BETSY
(turning to off stage left to unseen Peggotty) Here Peggotty! Tea.
Your mistress is a little unwell. Don't dawdle.
PEGGOTTY

Yes , Mum.

46

(The center spots fade out to black and the right stage spot comes up
on David narrating)

DAVID
The word was appropriate to the moment. My mother was so much
worse that Peggotty conveyed her upstairs to her own room with all
speed; and immediately fetched the nurse and doctor. Those allied
powers were considerably astonished, when they arrived within a few
minutes of each other, to find an unknown lady of portentous appear-
ance sitting before the fire, with her bonnet tied over her left arm,
stopping her ears with jewelers' cotton. Peggotty knowing nothing
about her, and my mother saying nothing about her, she was quite a mystery
in the parlor. The doctor, having been upstairs and come down again,
looked mildly at my aunt with his head on one side, and making her a
little bow, said in allusion to the jewelers' cotton, as he softly touched
his left ear: (spots up on center stage for Miss Betsy and Doctor Chillip)

DOCTOR
Some local irritation ma'am?

MISS BETSY

What! (pulling out the cotton from one ear like a cork)

DOCTOR
Some local irritation, ma'am?

MISS BETSY

Nonsense! (corking up ear again)

47
DOCTOR
(after a long pause) Well, ma'am, I am happy to congratulate you.
MISS BETSY
How is she?
DOCTOR
Well, ma'am, she will soon be quite comfortable, I hope. Quite as
comfortable as we can expect a young mother to be, under these melan-
choly domestic circumstances . There cannot be any objection to your
seeing her presently, ma'am. It may do her good.
MISS BETSY
And 2.11%.- How is _s_l_r_e? The baby. How is she?
DOCTOR
Ma'am, I apprehended you had known. It's a boy. (center spots go
to black)
DAVID
My aunt never said a word, but took her bonnet by the strings , in the
manner of a sling, aimed a blow at Mr. Chillip's head with it, walked
out, and never came back. She vanished like a discontented fairy,

and never came back anymore.

48

Scene Two:
DAVID
The years between my birth and the beginning of my schooling were
spent happily with my widowed mother and my nurse, Peggotty, at
Rookery, our home. The first objects that assume a distinct pres-
ence before me, as I look back into the blank of my infancy, are my
mother with her pretty hair and youthful shape, and Peggotty, with no
shape at all and cheeks and arms so hard and red that I wondered the
birds didn't peck her in preference to'apples . What else do I re-
member? Let me see. --- Peggotty, and I were sitting one night by
the parlor fire, alone. I had been reading to Peggotty about crocodiles ,
but I was tired of reading, and dead sleepy; I had reached that stage
of sleepiness when Peggotty seemed to swell and grow immensely large.
I propped my eyelids open with my two forefingers , and looked perse-
veringly at her as she sat at work: "Peggotty, were you ever married?"
PEGGOTTY
Lord, Master Davy, what's put marriage in your head ?
DAVID
But were you ever married, Peggotty? You are a very handsome woman,
an't you?
PEGGOTTY

Me handsome, Davy? Lawk, no, my dear! But what put marriage in

Y0 ur head ?

49

DAVID
I don't know! --- You mustn't marry more than one person at a time,
may you, Peggotty?
PEGGOTTY
Certainly not!
DAVID

But if you marry a person, and the person dies, why then you may
marry another person, mayn't you, Peggotty?
PEGGOTTY
You may if you choose, my dear. That's a matter of opinion.
DAVID
But what is your opinion, Peggotty?
PEGGOTTY
My opinion is that I never was married myself, Master Davy, and that
I don't expect to be. That's all I know about the subject.
DAVID
You an't cross, I suppose, Peggotty, are you?
I really thought she was , she had been so short with me; but I was quite
mistaken for she laid aside her work and opening her arms wide took my
curly head within them and gave it a good squeeze. I know it was
a good squeeze, because being very plump, whenever she made any
exertion after she dressed, some of the buttons on the back of the gown
flew off. And I recollect two bursting to the opposite side of the parlor

while she was hugging me.

50
PEGGOTTY
Now let me hear some more about the Crorkindills for I ain't heard
half enough.
DAVID
Narrates: We had exhausted the crocodiles, and begun with the alli—
gators , when the garden-bell rang. We went out to the door and there
was my mother, looking unusually pretty, I thought, and with her a
gentleman with beautiful black hair and whiskers . His name was
Mr. Murdstone and he wanted to shake my hand. My right hand was in
my mother's left, so I gave him the other. My mother drew my right hand
forward, but I was resolved, for my former reason, not to give him it,
and I did not. I gave him the other, and he shook it heartily, and said:
"You are a brave fellow" and went away. Gradually I became used to
seeing the gentleman with the. black whiskers , but I liked him no better
than at first, and had the same uneasy jealousy of him. Weeks later,
after returning from a visit to Peggotty's family in Yarmouth, I was
told by PeggOtty:
PEGGOTTY
You got a new Pa!
DAVID
Narrates: Changes gradually took place in our household. My old dear
bedroom was changed, and I was to lie a long way off. I was severely

disciplined by my new father for having a dirty face or not being quick

51
enough with my recitations on history, geography, or grammar and my
sums in arithmetic. I pour over these lessions without any result or
enlightenment until dinnertime when, having made a mulatto of myself
by getting the dirt of the slate into the pores of my skin, I have a slice
of bread to help me out with the lessons, and am considered in disgrace
for the rest of the evening. The natural result of this treatment was to
make me sullen, dull, and dogged. I was not made the less so by my
sense of being daily more and more shut out and alienated from my
mother. I believe that I should have been almost stupefied but for
one circumstance. It was this: My father had left a small collection
of books in my little room upstairs , to which I had access and which
nobody else in our house ever troubled. From that blessed little room,

Roderick Random, Peregrine Pickle, Tomionesg the Vicar of Wakefield,

 

Don @ixote, and Robinson Crusoe came out a glorious host to keep me
company. They kept alive my fancy, and my hope of something beyond
that place and time. This was my only and my constant comfort. My
attempts at learning at home under the direction of Mr. Murdstone went
from bad to worse. I would come in with an idea of distinguishing
myself, conceiving that I was very well prepared, but it would turn out
to be quite a mistake. Book after book was added to the heap of failures .
One particularly trying day, Mr. Murdstone became impatient with my
Poor scholarship and he announced to me:

MURDSTONE

David, you and I are going upstairs , boy!

52
DAVID
He walked me up to me room slowly and gravely--I am certain he had
a delight in that formal parade of executing justice-—and when we got
there, he suddenly twisted my head under his arm. "Mr. Murdstone!
Sir! Don't! Pray don't beat me! I have tried to learn, sir, but I can't
learn while you and Miss Murdstone are by. I can't indeed! "
MURDSTONE
Can't you, indeed, David ? We'll try that.
DAVID

He had my head in a vice; but I twined round him somehow, and stopped
him for a moment, entreating him not to beat me. It was only for a mo-
ment that I stopped him, for he cut me heavily an instant afterwards;
and in the same instant I caught his hand in my mouth, between my
teeth, and bit him through. It sets my teeth on edge to think of it.
He beat me then as if he would have beaten me to death, and I spent
the next few days locked in my room. Finally Mr. Murdstone decided
to send me away to .school near London at a place called Salem House.
It was holiday time at Salem House when I arrived, and all the boys were
at their several homes . That was fortunate for me because it gave me
time to become adjusted to my new surroundings and also to get used
to wearing my placard... Mr. Murdstone gave instructions to the head
master, Mr. Creakle, that I should wear upon my back a pasteboard

placard which bore the words , "Take care of him. He bites . " What I

53
suffered from that placard nobody can imagine. Whether it was possible
for people to see me or not, I fancied that somebody was reading it.
Tommy Traddles was the first boy who returned to school, and it was a
happy circumstance for me. He enjoyed my placard so much that he
saved me from the embarrassment of either disclosure or concealment
by presenting me to every boy who came back, great or small, immedi-
ately upon his arrival in this form:

TRADDLES
Look here! Here's a game!

DAVID

Happily for me, the greater part of the boys came back low-spirited,
and were not so boisterous at my expense as I had expected. Some of
them certainly did dance about me like wild Indians, and the greater
part could not resist the temptation of pretending that I was a dog,
and patting and soothing me, lest I should bite, and saying, "lie down,
sir! " and calling me Towzer. I was not considered as being formally
received into the school, however, until J. Steerforth arrived. Before
this boy, who was reputed to be a great scholar, and was very good
looking, and at least half a dozen years my senior, I was carried as
before a magistrate. He inquired into the particulars of my punishment,
and was pleased to express his opinion that it was a "jolly shame" for
which I became bound to him afterwards . Walking aside with me, he

further inquired:

54
STEERFORTH
What money have you got, Copperfield?
DAVID
Seven shillings .
STEERFORTH
Perhaps you'd like to spend a couple of shillings or so, in a bottle of
currant wine by—and-by, up in the bedroom? You belong to my bed-
room, I find.
DAVID
Yes ,, I should like that.
STEERFORTH
Well! We must make it stretch as far as we can; that's all. I'll
do the best in my power for you. I can go out when I like, and I'll
smuggle the prog in. Now don't make yourself uneasy; I'll take care
it should be alright.
DAVID
He was as good as his word. When he went upstairs to bed, he pro-
duced the whole seven shillings' worth, and laid it out on my bed in
the moonlight saying:
STEERFORTH
There you are young Copperfield, and a royal spread you've got.
DAVID

Narrates: As we were eating and drinking the currant wine, I heard all

55
kinds of things about the school and all belonging to it. The greatest
wonder that I heard was there being one boy in school on whom the head
master never ventured to lay a hand, that boy being J. Steerforth.
Steerforth confirmed this when it was stated, and said that he should
like to begin to see him do it. On being asked by Traddles how he
should proceed if the master would begin to do it, he dipped a match
into his phrosphorus box on purpose to shed a glare over his reply
and said:

STEERFORTH
I would commence by knocking him down with a blow on the forehead
from the seven and sixpenny inkbottle that is always on the mantlepiece

DAVID

Narrates: We sat in the dark for some time, breathless at this daring.
Traddles , the most unfortunate boy in the world, was always being
caned--I think he was caned every day that half year, except one
holiday Monday when he was only ruler'd on both hands—-and was
always going to write his uncle about it, and never did. After laying
his head on the desk for a little while, he would cheer up somehow,
begin to laugh again, and draw skeletons all over his slate, before
his eyes were dry. An accidental circumstance cemented the intimacy
between Steerforth and me, in a manner that inspired me with great
pride and satisfaction, though it sometimes led to inconvenience. It

happened on one occasion, when he was doing me the honor of talking

5.5
to me'on the playground, that I hazarded the observation that something
or somebody--I forget what now-~was like somebody or something

in Peregrine Pickle. He said nothing at the time; but when I was going

 

to bed at night, asked me ifI had got that book? I told him no, and ex—
plained how it was that I had read it, and all those other books of which
I had made mention.
STEERFORTH
And do you recollect them?
DAVID
Oh, yes , I have a good memory and I recollect them very well.
STEERFORTH
Then I tell you what, young Copperfield. You shall tell'em to me.
I can't get to sleep very early at night, and I generally wake rather
early in the morning. We'll go over 'em one after another. We'll make
some regular Arabian Nights of it.
DAVID
Narrates: I felt extremely flattered by this arrangement, and we
commenced carrying it into execution that very evening. What
ravages I committed on my favorite authors in the course of my
interpretation of them, I am not in the condition to say, and should be
very unwilling to know. But I had profound faith in them, and I had a
simple earnest manner of narrating them, and those qualities went a long

way. I now pass over all that happened at school, until the anniversary

57
of my birthday came around in March. Except that Steerforth was
more to be admired than ever, I remember nothing. How well I
recollect the kind of day it was! I smell the fog that hung about the
place and I see the hoarfrost, ghostly through it. It was after
breakfast, and we boys had been summoned in from the playground,
when Mr. Sharp, my teacher, entered and said:

SHARP
David Copperfield is to go into the parlour . . . .Don't hurry, David.
There's time enough“, my boy, don't hurry.

DAVID
Narrates: I might have been surprised by the feeling tone in which he
spoke if I had given it any thought. I gave it none until afterwards .

,
I hurried away to the parlour; and there I found the head master's wife,
Mrs . Creakle, sitting at her breakfast, with an open letter in her
hand.
MRS. CREAKLE

David, I want to speak to you very particularly. I have something to
tell you, my child. You are too young to know how the world changes
every day, and how the people in it pass away. But we all have to
learn. When you came away from home at the end of vacation, were
they all well? . . . . Because I grieve to tell you that I hear this

morning your mother is very ill.

58
DAVID
Narrates: A mist rose between Mrs. Creakle and me, and her figure
seemed to move in it for an instant. Then I felt the burning tears run
down my face, and then I was steady again.
MRS. CREAKLE
She is very dangerously ill . . . . She is dead.
DAVID
Narrates: There was no need to tell me so. I had already broken
out in a desolate cry, and felt an orphan in the wide world. She
was very kind to me. She kept me there all day, and left me alone some-
times; and I cried, and wore myself to sleep, and awoke and cried
again. When I could cry no longer, I began to think, and then the
oppression on my breast was heaviest, and my grief a dull pain that
there was no ease for. I left Salem House upon the morrow afternoon
stage. I little thought then that I left it never to return. I now
approach the period in my life which I can never lose the remembrance
of, while I remember anything; and the recollection of which has often,
without invocation, come before me like a ghost, and haunted happier
times . Back home at Rookery, I had been out one day, loitering some—
where, when turning the corner of a lane near our house, I came upon
my step-father, Mr. Murdstone, walking with a gentleman named
Mr. Quinion. Mr. Quinion slept at our house that night. It was after

breakfast the next morning, I had put my chair away, and was going

59

to my room, when Mr. Murdstone called me back.

MURDSTONE
David, to the young, this is a world for action; not for moping and
droning in. It is especially so for a young boy of your disposition,
which requires a great deal of correcting; and to which no greater
service can be done that to force it to conform to the ways of the
working world, and to bend it and break it. For stubborness won't
do here. What it wants is to be crushed. And crushed it must be.
I suppose you know, David, that I am not rich. At any rate you know
it now. You have received some considerable education already.
Education is costly, and I am of opinion that it would not be at all
advantageous to you to be kept at school. What is before you is a
fight“: with the world; and the sooner you begin it, the better. You have
heard the counting-house mentioned sometimes ?

DAVID

The counting-house, sir?

MURDSTONE
Of Murdstone and Grinby, in the wine trade. You have heard mentioned
the business or the cellars , or the wharf, or something about it?

DAVID

I think I have heard the business mentioned, sir, but I don't know when.

MURDSTONE

It does not matter when. Mr. Quinion manages that business. Mr. Quinion

60
suggests that it gives employment to some other boys , and that he sees
no reason why it shouldn't, on the same terms , give employment to you.
Those terms are, that you earn enough for yourself to provide for your
eating and drinking, and pocket money. Your lodging will be paid by
me. So will your washing. Your clothes will be looked after for you,
too, as you will not be able, for awhile, to get them for yourself. So
you are now going to London, David, with Mr. Quinion, to begin the
world on your own account. In short, you are provided for, and will
please to do your duty.

DAVID
Narrates: Though I quite understood that the purpose of this announcement
was to get rid of me, I have no distinct remembrance whether it pleased
me or frightened me. Nor had I much time for the clearing of my thoughts
as Mr. Quinion was to go upon the morrow. Murdstone and Grinby's
warehouse was at the waterside. Their trade was among a good many
kinds of people, but an important branch of it was the supply of wines
and spirits to certain packet ships . I know that a great many empty
bottles were one of the consequences of the traffic, and that certain
men and boys were employed to examine them against the light, and of the
boys employed upon it, I was one.
One day when the counting—house clock was at half-past twelve, and
there was general preparation for going to dinner, Mr. Quinion tapped at

the counting-house window and beckoned me to come into his office.

61
I went in, and found there a stoutish, middle aged person in a brown
overcoat and black tights and shoes with no more hair on his head than
there is upon an egg and with a very extensive face which he turned full
upon me. His clothes were shabby, but he had an imposing shirt-collar
on. He carried a jaunty sort of stick with a large pair of rusty tassels
to it, and a quizzing glass hung outside his coat--for ornament, I after-
wards found, as he very seldom looked through it, and couldn't see any-
thing when he did, Mr. Quinion introduced me to the stranger.
QUINION

This is he.

MICAWBER
This is Master Copperfield. I hope I see you well, sir?

DAVID

I am very well sir, and I hope you are the same.

MICAWBER
I am, thank Heaven, quite well. I have received a letter from Mr. Murdstone,
in which he mentions that he would desire me to receive into an apartment
in the rear of my house, which at present is unoccupied--and is, in short,
to be let as a--in short, as a bedroom—-—the young beginner whom I have
now the pleasure to . . . . . (The stranger waved his hand, and settled his “ '
chin in his shirt-collar.)

QUINION

This is Mr. Micawber. He is known to Mr. Murdstone. He takes orders

62
for us on commission, when he can find any. He has been written to by
Mr. Murdstone on the subject of your lodgings , and he will receive
you as a lodge.

MICAWBER
My address is Windsor Terrace, City Road. I--in short, I live there.
Under the impression that your peregrinations in this metropolis have
not as yet been extensive, and that you might have some difficulty
in penetrating the arcana of the Modern Babylon in direction of the
City Road--in short, that you might lose yours:e1f--I shall be happy
to call this evening, and install you in the knowledge of the nearest
way. At what hour shall I . . . ?

QUINION

At about eight.

MICAWBER
At about eight. I beg to wish you good day, Mr. Quinion. I will
intrude no longer.

DAVID

Narrates: So he put on his hat, and went out with his cane under his
arm. At the appointed time in the evening, Mr. Micawber reappeared,
and we walked to our house, as I suppose I must now call it, together.
Arriving at his house in Windsor Terrace (which I noticed was shabby
like himself, but also, like himself, made all the show it could) he

presented me to Mrs. Micawber, a thin and faded lady, not at all young,

63
who was sitting in the parlor holding a baby, one of twins . She came
up to show me the apartment, and sat down to take breath.

MRS. MICAWBER
I never thought before I married, when I lived with my papa and mama,
that I should ever find it necessary to take a lodger. But Mr. Micawber
being in difficulties , all considerations of private feeling must give way.

DAVID

Yes , ma'am.

MRS. MICAWBER
Mr. Micawber's difficulties are almost overwhelming just at present,
and whether it is possible to bring him through them, I don't know.
When I lived at home with papa and mama, I really should have hardly
understood what the word meant, in the sense in which I now employ it,
but experientia does it--as papa used to say.

DAVID

Narrates: Poor Mrs . Micawber! She said that she had tried to exert
herself; and so, I have no doubt, she had. The center of the street-
door was so perfectly covered with a great brass plate, on which was
engraved "Mrs. Micawber's Boarding Establishment for Young Ladies . "
The only visitors I ever saw or heard of were the creditors . In this
house and with this family, I passed my leisure time. Mr. Micawber's
difficulties were an addition to the distressed state of my mind. I have

known him to come home to supper with a flood of tears, and a declaration

64
that nothing was now left but a jail; and go to bed making a calculation
of the expense of putting bow-windows in the house, "in case anything
turned up, " which was his favorite expression. And Mrs . Micawber
was just the same. At last Mr. Micawber's difficulties came to a crisis,
and he was arrested early one morning, and carried over to the King's
Bench Prison in the Borough. He told me, as he went out of the house,
that the God of day had now come upon him. The furniture was sold for
the family benefit, and at last Mrs . Micawber resolved to move into the
prison, where Mr. Micawber had now secured a room to himself. Mr.
Micawber applied for his release under the Insolvent Debtor's Act, and
was discharged in about six weeks . Mrs . Micawber's family was of
the opinion that Mr. Micawber should quit London and exert his talents
in the country. Something might be done for a man of his ability in
the Custom House in Plymouth. On the last Sunday before their de—
parture, they invited me to dinner. We had a loin of pork and apple
sauce, and a pudding. We had a very pleasant day, though we were all in
a tender state about our approaching separation.

MRS. MICAWBER

I shall never, Master Copperfield, revert to the period when Mr. Micawber
was in difficulties , without thinking of you. Youn conduct.- has always
been of the mOSthelic'ate and obliging descriptidri. You have never been

anle‘dgrer. Yen have be'enCa friend.

65

MICAWBER
My dear young friend, I am older than you; a man of some experience
in life, and of some difficulties, generally speaking. At present, and
until something turns up (which I am, I may say, hourly expecting)
I have nothing to bestow but advice. Still my advice is so far worth
taking that-win short, that I have never taken it myself, and am the
miserable wretch you behold.

MRS. MICAWBER

My dear Micawber!

MICAWBER
I say the miserable wretch you behold. My advice is , never do to-
morrow what you can do today. Procrastination is the thief of time.
Collar him.

MRS. MICAWBER

My poor papa's maxim.

MICAWBER
My other piece of advice, Copperfield, you know. Annual income
twenty pounds, annual expenditure nineteen nineteen and six, result--
happiness . Annual income twenty pounds, annual expenditure twenty
ought and six, result--misery. The blossom is blighted, the leaf is
withered, the God of day goes down upon the dreary scene, and—-and in

short, you are ever floored. As I am!

66
DAVID
Narrates: I did not fail to assure him that Iwould store these precepts in
my mind, though indeed I had no need to do so, for, at the time, they
affected me visibly. Next morning I met the whole family at the coach
office, and saw them, with a desolate heart, take their places outside
at the back.
MRS. MICAWBER
Master Copperfield, God bless you! I never can forget all that, you
know, and I never would if I could.
MICAWBER
Copperfield, farewell! Every happiness and prosperity! In case of
anything turning up (of which I am rather confident) I shall be ex-
tremely happy if it should be in my power to improve your prospects .
DAVID
Narrates: I think, as Mrs. Micawber sat at the back of the coach,
with the children, and I stood in the road looking wistfully at them, a
mist cleared from her eyes , and she saw what a little creature I really
was. I think so, because she beckoned me to climb up, with quite a
new motherly expression in her face, and put her arm round my neck, and
gave me just such a kiss as she might have given to her own boy. I
had barely time to get down again before the coach started, and I could
hardly see the family for the handkerchiefs they waved. It was gone

in a minute.

67
As I went to begin my weary day at Murdstone and Grinby's, I had no
intention of passing many more weary days there. No. I had resolved
to run away--to go, by some means or other, down into the country,
to the only relation I had in the world, and tell my story to my aunt,
Miss Betsy. As I did not know where Miss Betsy lived, I wrote a long
letter to Peggotty, and asked her if she remembered. Peggotty's answer
came soon. She told me that Miss Betsy lived near Dover, but Whether
at Dover itself, at Hythe, Sandgate, or Folkstone, she could not say.
I deemed this enough for my objects, and resolved to set out at the end
of that week. I set out on fact on the Kent Road in the direction of
Dover, a six-day journey. When I arrived in Dover with my ragged
shoes, and my dusty, sunburnt, half-clothed figure, I inquired
about my aunt among the boatmen first, and received various answers .
The shopkeepers, not liking my appearance, generally replied without
hearing what I had to say, that they had got nothing for me. I felt
more miserable and destitute than I had at any period of my running
away. My money from selling my wesket and jacket was all gone.
I had nothing left to dispose of; I was hungry, thirsty, and worn out;
and seemed as distant from the end as if I had remained in London. At
length I walked until I came to a little general shop where I again in—
quired. There I had the good fortune to meet my aunt's handmaid who bade
me follow her to Aunt Betsy's cottage, where she left me standing at the

garden gate. Fromlhead to foot I was powdered almost as white with chalk

68
and dust, as if Ihad come out of a lime kiln. In this plight, and with
a strong consciousness of it, I waited to introduce myself to, and to make
my first impression on, my formidable aunt. I was on the point of slinking
off when there came out of the house a lady with her handkerchief tied
over her, and a pair of gardening gloves on her hands , and carrying a
great knife. I immediately knew her to be my Aunt Betsy, for she came
stalking out of the house exactly as my poor mother had so often des-
cribed her stalking up to our garden at Bunderstone Rookery.
MISS BETSY
Go away! Go along! No boys here!
DAVID
If you please, Ma'am. If you please aunt.
MISS BETSY
Eh?
DAVID
If you please, aunt, I am your nephew.
MISS BETSY
Oh, Lord!
DAVID
I am David Copperfield, of Blunderstone, in Suffolk, where you came on
the night when I was born, and saw my dear mama. I have been very
unhappy since she died. I have been slighted, and taught nothing, and

thrown upon myself, and put to work not fit for me. It made me run away

69
to you. I was robbed at first setting out, and have walked all the way
and have never slept in a bed since I began the journey.

MISS BETSY
Oh, you poor child.
DAVID
Narrates: Here my self-support gave way all at once and with a movement
of my hands, intended to show her my ragged state, and call it to wit-
ness that I had suffered something, I broke into a passion of crying,
which I suppose had been pent up within me all the week. My aunt
collared me and took me into the parlor. Her first proceeding there
was to unlock a tall press , bring out several bottles, and pour some
of the contents of each into my mouth. When she had administered these
restoratives , she put me on the sofa, with a shawl under my head, and
the handkerchief from her own head under my feet, lest I should sully
the cover. Then sitting down behind a screen so that I could not see
her face, she exclaimed at intervals, "Mercy on us! " letting those ex-
clamations off like minute guns. After a time, she rang the bell.
MISS BETSY
Janet, go upstairs, give my compliments to Mr. Dick, and say I wish
to speak to him.
DAVID

Narrates: My aunt, with her hands behind her walked up and down the

room, until a florid, pleasant looking gentleman, with a gray head, who

70

shut one eye in a grotesque manner, came in laughing.

MISS BETSY
Mr. Dick, don't be a fool, because nobody can be more discreet than
you can, when you choose. We all know that. So don't be a fool,
whatever you are. Mr. Di'ck,, you have heard me mention David Copperfield?
Now don't pretend not to have a memory, because you and I know better.

MR. DICK
David Copperfield? David Copperfield? Oh yes, to be sure. David,
certainly.

MISS BETSY
Well, this is his boy, his son. He would be as like his father as
it's possible to be; he was not so like his mother, too.

MR. DICK
His son? David's son? Indeed!

MISS BETSY
Yes, and has done a pretty business. He has run away. Ah! His sister,
Betsy Trotwood, would never have run away. Now the question I put to
you is, what shall we do with him?

MR. DICK
What shall you do with him? (feebly scratching his head) Oh! Do
with him?

MISS BETSY

Yes, Come! I want some very sound advice.

71

MR. DICK
Why, ifI was you, I should-—I should wash him!

MISS BETSY
Janet, Mr. Dick sets us all right. Heat the bath! Mr. Dick, you'll
consider yourself guardian, jointly with me, of this child.

MR. DICK
I shall be delighted to be guardian of David's son.

MISS BETSY
Very good. That's settled. I have been thinking, do you know,
Mr. Dick, that I might call him Trotwood?

MR. DICK
Certainly, certainly, call him Trotwood, certainly. David's son,
Trotwood.

MISS BETSY
Trotwood Copperfield, you mean?

MR. DICK
Yes, to be sure. Yes. Trotwood Copperfield.

DAVID'

Narrates: Thus I began. my new life, in a new name, and with every—
thing new about me. I never thought that I had a curious couple of
guardians in my aunt and Mr. Dick. The two things clearest in my
mind were that a remoteness had come upon the old Blunderstone life;

and that a curtain had forerver fallen on my life at Murdstone. And while

72
I advanced in friendship and intimacy with Mr. Dick, I did not go
backward in the favor of his staunch friend, my aunt. She took so
kindly to me, that, in the course of a few weeks , she shortened my
adopted name of Trotwood into "Trot, " and even encouraged me to hope,
that if I went on as I had begun, I might take equal rank in her affections
with my sister, Betsy Trotwood, who was never born. One evening when
the backgammon board was placed as usual for herself and Mr. Dick,
my aunt proclaimed.
MISS BETSY
Trot, we must not forget your education. Should you like to go to
school at Canterbury?
DAVID
I should like that very much. It is so near here.
MISS BETSY
Good. Should you like to go tomorrow?
DAVID
Oh, yes, aunt!
MISS BETSY
Good. Janet, hire the gray pony and chaise tomorrow morning at ten
o'clock, and pack up Master Trotwood's clothes tonight.
DAVID
Narrates: The next morning, my aunt, who was perfectly indifferent to

public opinion, drove the gray pony through Dover in a masterly

73
manner. When we came into the country road, she permitted him to
relax a little, however, and looking at me down in a valley of cushion
by her, asked me:

MISS BETSY
Are you happy, Trot?
DAVID
Very happy indeed, thank you, aunt. Is it a large school, aunt?
MISS BETSY

Why, I don't know. We are going to Mr. Wickfield's first.

DAVID
Does he keep a school?
MISS BETSY
No, Trot, he keeps an office.
DAVID

Narrates: At length we stopped before a very old house bulging

out over the road. When the pony chaise stopped at the door, and my
eyes were intent upon the house, I saw a cadaverous face appear at

a small window on the ground floor and quickly disappear. The low
arched door then opened, and the face came out. It belonged to a
red-haired person--a youth of fifteen, as I take it now, but looking
much older--whose hair was cropped as close as the closest stubble;
who had hardly any eyebrows, and no eyelashes , and eyes of red-

brown, so unsheltered and unshaded that I remember wondering how he

74
went to sleep. He was high shouldered and bony; dressed in decent
black and a white wisp of a neck cloth; buttoned up to the throat; and
had a long, lank skeleton hand, which particularly attracted my at-
tention, as he stood at the pony's head, rubbing his chin with it,
and looking up at us in the chaise.

MISS BETSY
Is Mr. Wickfield at home, Uriah Heep?
URIAH
Mr. Wickfield's home, ma'am. If you'll please to walk into the
parlor.
MR. WICKFIELD
Miss Betsy Trotwood, pray come in. You'll excuse my being busy. I
was engaged for a moment. You know my motive. I have but one in
life. Well, Miss Trotwood, what wind blows you here? Not an ill
wind I hope?
MISS BETSY
No, I have not come for any law. That is my nephew, Trotwood
Copperfield. My grand-nephew.
MR. WICKFIELD
Wasn't aware you had a grand-nephew, I give you my word.
MISS BETSY
I have adopted him, and I have brought him here, to put him to a

school where he may be thoroughly well taught, and well treated. Now

75
tell me where that school is , and what it is, and all about it.
MR. WICKFIELD
At the best we have, your nephew couldn't board just now.
MISS BETSY
It's very unfortunate. I don't know what to do, Trot.
MR. WICKFIELD
It does happen unfortunately. But I'll tell you what you can do. Leave
your nephew here, for the present. He's a quiet fellow. He won't
distrub me at all. It's a capital house for study, as quiet as a
monastery, and almost as roomy. Leave him here.
MISS BETSY
I am very much obliged to you, and so it be, I see; but . . . . .
MR. WICKFIELD
Come! I know what you mean. You shall not be oppressed by the
receipt of favors , Miss Trotwood. You may pay for him, if you like.
We won't be hard about terms , but you shall pay if you will.
MISS BETSY
On the understanding, though, it doesn't lessen the real obligation.
I shall be very glad to leave him.
MR. WICKFIELD

Then come and see my little housekeeper.

76

DAVID
Narrates: Mr. Wickfield tapped at a door in a corner of the paneled
wall, and a girl of about my age came quickly out and kissed him.

AGNES
Yes , Papa?

DAVID
Narrates: This was his little housekeeper, his daughter Agnes .
When I heard how he said it, and saw how he held her hand, I
guessed what the one motive of his life was . My aunt was as happy
as I was in the arrangement made for me, and we were left to take leave
of one another without any restraint. She told me that everything
would be arranged for me by Mr. Wickfield, and that I should want for
nothing and gave me the kindest words and the best advice.

MISS BETSY

Trot, be a credit to yourself, to me and Mr. Dick, and Heaven be
with you! Never be mean in anything; never be false; never be cruel.
Avoid those three vices , Trot, and I can always be hopeful of you.
The pony's at the door, and I am off! Stay here.

DAVID
Narrates: With these words she embraced me hastily, and went out
of the room) shutting the door after me. In the course of the evening )
I had rambled down to the outside door. and a little way along the

street, that I might have another peep at the old houses, and the gray

77

Cathedral; and might think of my coming through that old city on my
jerimey.,':andfof miyzp'aSSinggthe very house I lived in without knowing
it. As I came back, I saw Uriah Heep shutting up the office; and
feeling friendly towards everybody, went in and spoke to him, and at
parting gave him my hand. But oh, what a clammy hand his was!

It was as ghostly to the touch as to the sight! I rubbed mine after—
wards, to warm it, and to rub his off. It was such an uncomfortable
hand that when I went to my room, it was still cold and wet upon

my memory. Leaning out of my window, and seeing one of the faces
on the beam-ends looking at me sideways, I fancied it was Uriah
Heep got up there somehow, and shut him out in a hurry.

End Of Act I.

78
Act II.

David As A Young Man

DAVID
Narrates: My school days! The silent glidings on of my existence--
the unseen, unfelt progress of my life-—from childhood up to youth!
I am doubtful whether I was at heart glad or sorry, when my school days
drew to an end. I had been very happy there; I was eminent and dis-
tinguished in that little world. For these reasons I was sorry to go;
but for other reasons, unsubstantial enough, I was glad. Misty ideas
of being a young man at my own disposal, of wonderful things to be
seen and done, and the wonderful effects I could not fail to make upon
society, lured me away.
My aunt and I had held many grave deliberations on the calling to
which I should be devoted. For a year or more I had endeavored to
find a satisfactory answer to her often repeated question of what I
would like to be. But I had no particular liking, that I could dis-
cover, for anything. My desire was to apply myself to some pursuit that
would not lie too heavily upon her purse; and to do my duty in it
whatever it might be. My aunt suggested to me that I take a little
journey to Suffolk to visit Peggotty for a month or so. Her object was
that I should look about me and should think a little. It was on re-
turning home from this journey that I drove to Lincoln's Inn Fields , where

I found my aunt up, and waiting supper. After supper my aunt began.

79
MISS BETSY
Well, Trot. What do you think of the proctor plan? Or have you not
begun to think about ityet?
\ DAVID
I have thought a good deal about it, my dear aunt, and have talked
a good deal about it. I like it very much indeed. I like it exceedingly.
MISS BETSY
Come, that's cheering.
DAVID
I have only one difficulty, aunt. I want to ask you, as this seems to
be a limited profession, whether my entrance into it would not be very
expensive?
MISS BETSY
It will cost to article you, just a thousand pounds.
DAVID
Now, my dear aunt. I am uneasy in my mind about that. It's a
large sum of money. You have expended a great deal on my education, V
and have always been as liberal to me in all things as it was possible
to be. You have'been the soul of generosity. Are you certain that
you can afford to part with so much money, and that it is right that
it should be so expended? I only ask you, my second mother, to

consider. Are you certain?

80
MISS BETSY
Trot, my child, if I have any object in life, it is to provide for your
being a good, a sensible, and a happy man. I am bent upon it—-so
is Dick. When you came to me, a little runaway boy, all dusty and way-
worn, perhaps , I thought, perhaps, I might have been better friends with
your poor child of a mother. From that day until now, Trot, you have
ever been a credit to me and a pride and a pleasure. I have no
other claim upon my means , and you are my adopted child. Only
be a loving child to me in my age, and bear with my whims and fancies;
and you will do more for an old woman whose prime of life was not so
happy or conciliating as it might have been, than ever that old woman
did for you. All is agreed and understood between us now, Trot. We
need talk no more of this . Give me a kiss , and we'll go to the Commons
after breakfast tomorrow.
DAVID
Narrates: At about mid-day we set out for the office of Messrs .
Spenlow and Jorkins , in Doctors' Commons . I was introduced to
Mr. Spenlow, terms were agreed upon, and it was settled that
I should begin my month's probation as soon as I pleased, and that
my aunt need neither remain in town or return at its expiration, as the
articles of agreement of which I was to be the subject could easily be
sent to her at home for signature. As I had no lodgings as yet, my

aunt had investigated and found a furnished set of chambers suitable

81
for a young bachelor. We inquired of the landlady, Mrs. Crupp, and
she showed up upstairs . My aunt saw how enraptured I was With the
premises , and took them for a month, with leave to remain for twelve
months-whent that time was out. Mrs . Crupp was to find linen, and
to cook; every other necessary was already provided; and Mrs . Crupp
expressly intimated that she should always yearn towards me as a son,
and she said thank Heaven she had now found "summun" she could
care for!

Scene Two:
DAVID

Narrates: I had been in London only a few days when I was invited to

a dinner party by a Mrs. Waterbrook, a friend of Mr. Wickfield's whom
I had met at the theatre the night before. When I went to dinner next
day, I divined that I was not the only guest. I found Uriah Heep among
the company, in a suit of black, and in deep humility. There were
other guests—-all iced for the occasion, as it struck me, like the wine.
But there was one who attracted my attention before he came in,

on account of my hearing him announced as Mr. Traddles! My mind
flew back to Salem House; and could it be Tommy Traddles, I thought,
Who used to draw skeletons ? I looked for Mr. Traddles with unusual
1I'Tl:erest. He was a sober, steady looking young man of retiring
manners , with a comic head of hair, and eyes that were rather wide open;

and he got himself into an obscure corner so soon, that I had some

82
difficulty in making him out. At length I had a good view of him, and
either my vision deceived me, or it was the old unfortunate Tommy.
My reflections were still in progress when dinner was announced. On
my way up the stairs , I made myself known to Traddles, who greeted
me with great fervor. After dinner I was very glad to talk to Agnes and
to introduce Traddles to her. As he was obliged to leave early, I had
not nearly so much conversation with him as I could have wished; but
we exchanged addresses, and promised ourselves the pleasure of
another meeting when he sould come back to town. After Traddles left,
Agnes and I had a long talk about her father and his business .

AGNES
Trotwood, there is something that I want to ask you, and that I may not
have another opportunity of asking you for a long time, perhaps .
Something I would ask, I think, of no one else. Have you observed
any gradual change in Papa?
DAVHD
Yes, Agnes , I have observed it, and have wondered if you had too.
AGNES
Tell me what it is.
DAVHD
I think-—I'll be quite plain, Agnes, liking him so much.
AGNES

Yes .

83

EVENT)
I think he does himself no good by his habit of drinking that has in-
creased upon him since I first came here. He is often very nervous, or
Ifancy'so.

AGNES
Itis notfancy.

[HAHEJ
His hand trembles , his speech is not plain, and his eyes look wild. I have
seen that .at those times. and when he is least like himself, he is
most certain to be wanted on some business .

AGNES
By Uriah Heep.

IXHHI>
Yes, and the sense of being unfit for it, or of not having understood
it, or of having shown his condition in spite of himself, seems to make
him so uneasy, that next day he becomes jaded and haggard. Do not
be alarmed by what I say, Agnes, but in this state I saw him, only
the other evening, lay down his head upon his desk, and shed tears
like a child.

AGNES
Uriah Heep was in London a week before me. I am afraid on disagreeable
business, Trotwood. I believe he is going to enter into partnership with

Papa .

 

84

DAVID
What? Uriah? That mean, fawning fellow, worm himself into such
promotion! Have you made no remonstrance about it, Agnes ? Consider
what a connection it is likely to be. You must speak out. You must
not allow your father to take such a step. You must prevent it while
there is time.

AGNES
It was not long ago that he gave me the first intimation of what I tell
you. It was sad to see father struggling between his desire to rep-
resent it to me as a matter of choice on his part, and his inability to
conceal that it was forced upon him. I felt very sorry.

DAVID
Forced upon him, Agnes! Who forced it upon him?

AGNES
Uriah. He had made himself indispensable to Papa. He is subtle
and watchful. He has mastered Papa's weaknesses , fostered them,
and taken advantage of them until Pvapa is afraid of him. His ascendancy
overg£apa is very great. He professes humility and gratitude-—with
truth, perhaps; I hope so but his position is really one of power,
and I fear he makes a hard use of his power.

DAVID

That hound of a Heep!

.-
-
g-
4
V
O
o
9
o
N
v
v
a
o

 

 

 

85

AGNES
At the time I speak of, Uriah had told Papa that he was going away;
that he was very sorry and unwilling to leave, but that he had better
prospects. Papa was very much depressed then, and more bowed down
by care than ever you or I have ever seen him; but he seemed relieved
by this expedient of the partnership, though at the same time he
seemed hurt by it and ashamed of it.

DAVID
And how did you receive it, Agnes ?

AGNES
I did, Trotwood, what I hope was right. Feeling sure that it was
necessary for Papa's peace that the sacrifice should be made, I
entreated him to make it. I said it would lighten the load of his life--
I hope it will, and that it would give me increased opportunities of
being his companion. Oh, Trotwood! I feel almost as if I had been
Papa's enemy, instead of his loving child. (She begins to sob softly)

DAVID
Pray, Agnes, don't! Don't, my dear sister.

AGNES
We are not likely to remain alone much longer, and while I have an

opportunity, let me . . . in any case, think first of Papa and me!

 

 

 

86
Scene Three:
DAVID
Narrates: It came into my head next day to go and look after Traddles,
and I set out to visit my old school fellow. I found that the street was
not as desirable as one as I could have wished it to be, for the sake of
Traddles. When I got to the top of the stairs , Traddles was on the
landing to meet me. He was delighted to see me, and gave me welcome,
with great heartiness , to his little room.
DAVID
Traddles, I am delighted to see you.
TRADDLES
I am delighted to see you, Copperfield. It was because I was thoroughly
glad to see you when we met at Mrs . Waterbrook's that I gave you this
address instead of my address at chambers .
DAVID
Oh, you have chambers ?
TRADDLES
Why, I have the fourth of a room and a passage, and the fourth of
a clerk. Three others and my self unite to have a set of chambers--
to look businesslike--and we quarter the clerk too. Half a crown a
week he costs me.
DAVID

You are reading for the bar, Mr. Waterbrook informed me?

 

 

87

TRADDLES
Why, yes. I am reading for the bar. The fact is, I have just begun to
keep my terms , after rather a long delay. It's some time since I was
articled, but the payment of that hundred pounds was a great pull.
A great pull! Now then, this is the end of my prosing about myself.
I get on as well as I can. I don't make much but I don't spend much.
In general, I board with the people downstairs, who are very agreeable
people indeed. Both Mr. and Mrs. Micawber have seen a good deal
of life, and are excellent company.

DAVID

My dear Traddles, what are you talking about? Mr. and Mrs. Micawber!
Why, I am intimately acquainted with them!

TRADDLES
Narrates: An opportune knock at the door, which I knew well from
old experience in Windsor Terrace, and since nobody but Mr. Micawber
could ever have knocked at that door, resolved any doubt in my mind
as to their being my old friends. I begged Traddles to ask him land-
lord to walk up. Traddles accordingly did so, over the banister; and
Mr. Micawber, not changed a bit--his tights, his stick, his shirt-
collar, and his eyeglass, all the same as ever--came into the room
with a gentle and youthful air.

MICAWBER

I was not aware that there was any individual, alien to this tenement,

 

 

 

88
in your sanctum.
DAVID
How do you do, Mr. Micawber?
MICAWBER
Sir, you are exceedingly obliging. I am in statu quo.
DAVID
And the Mrs . Micawber?
MICAWBER
Sir, she is also, thank God, in statu quo.
DAVID
And the children?
MICAWBER
Sir, I rejoice to reply that they are, likewise, in the enjoyment of
salubrity. Ah, is it possible? Have I the pleasure of again beholding
Copperfield? Good heaven, Mr. Traddles, to think that I should find
you acquainted with the friends of my youth, the companion of earlier
days! My dear! (calls off stage) Here is a gentleman in Mr. Traddles'
apartment, whom he wishes to have the pleasure of presenting to you,
my love! You find us, Copperfield, at present established, on what
may be designated as a small and unassuming scale. It has been nec-
essary that I should fall back, before making what I trust I shall not be
accused of presumption in terming--a spring. The present is one of those

momentous stages of life of man. You find me, fallen back, for a spring;

 

 

 

89
and I have every reason to believe that a vigorous leap will shortly
be the result. My dear, here is a gentleman of the name of Copperfield,
who wishes to renew his acquaintance with you.

DAVID

Narrates: It would have been better, as it turned out, to have led
gently into this announcement, for Mrs . Micawber, being in delicate
state of health, was overcome by it, and was taken so unwell, that
Mr. Micawber was obliged, in great trepidation, to run down to the
waterbutt in the backyard, and draw a basinfull to lave her brow with.
She presently revived and was really pleased to see me. We had half-
an-hour's talk, all together. Mr. Micawber was very anxious that I
should stay to dinner, but I imagined I detected trouble, and calulcation
relative to the extent of the cold meat, in Mrs . Micawber's eye. I
therefore pleaded another engagement; and seeing that Mrs. Micawber's
spirits were immediately lightened, I resisted all persuasion to forego
it. But I told Traddles and Mr. and Mrs. Micawber that before I could
think of leaving, they must appoint a day when they would come and
dine with me. An appointment was made for the purpose. I léft.
On the occasion of this domestic visit and party for my newly found
friends, I merely provided a pair of soles, a small leg of mutton, and
pigeon pie. Mrs . Crupp, my landlady, consented to cook the fish
and the joint of mutton on the condition that I dined from home for a

f‘foftni‘ght afterwards. Having laid in the materials for a bowl of punch,

90
to be compounded by Mr. Micawber, and having laid the tablecloth with
my own hands, I awaited the result with composure. At the appointed
time, my three visitors arrived together. Mr. Micawber with more shirt—
collar than usual, and a new ribbon to his eye-glass; Mrs . Micawber
with her cap in a whity-brown paper parcel; Traddles carrying the
parcel, and supporting Mrs. Micawber on his arm. They were all
delighted with my residence.

MICAWBER
My dear Copperfield, this is luxurious . This is the way of life which
reminds me of the period when I was myself in a state of celibacy, and
Mrs . Micawber had not yet been solicited to plight her faith at the
Hymnal altar.
MRS. MICAWBER
He means, solicited by him, Mr. Copperfield. He cannot answer for
others .
DAVID

Narrates: I then informed Mr. Micawber that I relied upon him for a
bowl of punch, and led him to the lemons” I never saw a man so
thoroughly enjoy himself amid the fragrance of lemon peel and sugar,
the odor of burning rum, and the steam of boiling water as Mr. Micawber
did that afternoon. When he had finished preparing the refreshment,

he said:

91
MICAWBER
Punch, my dear Copperfield, like time and tide, waits for no man. Ah!
It is at the present moment in high flavor. My love, will you give me
your opinion?
MRS. MICAWBER
Hum . . . . it is excellent!
MICAWBER
Then I will drink it, if my friend Copperfield will permit me to take the
social liberty, to the days when my friend Copperfield and myself were
younger, and fought our way in the world side by side. In the words
we have sung together before now, that "We twa run about the braes
and pu'd the gowans fine. " I am not exactly aware what "gowans"
may be, but I have no doubts that Copperfield and myself would
frequently have taken a pull at them if it had been feasible.
DAVID

Narrates::er. Micawber then took a pull at his punch. So we all did.
We then sat down to our feast. I suppose that Mrs. Crupp, after frying
the soles, was taken ill, because we broke down at that point. The
leg of mutton came up very red within and very pale without; besides
having a foreign substance of gritty nature sprinkled over it, as if it
had fallen into the ashes of that remarkable kitchen fireplace. The
pigeon pie was not bad, but it was a delusive pie; the crust being like

a disappointing head, full of lumps and bumps, with nothing particular

9'2
underneath. In short, the banquet was such a failure that I should have
been quite unhappy if I had not been relieved by the good humor of my
company, and by the bright suggestion of Mr. Micawber:

MICAWBER
My dear Copperfield, accidents will occur in the best regulated
families, and in families not regulated by that pervading influence which
sanctifies while it enhances the--a--I would say, in short, by the
influence of woman, in the lofty character of wife, they may be expected
with confidence, and must be borne with philosophy. If you will allow me
to take the liberty of remarking that there are few comestibles better,
in their way, than a devil, and that I believe withalittle division of labor,
we could accomplish a good one if the young persons attending could
produce a gridinon, I would put it to you that this little misfortune may
be easily repaired.

DAVID

Narrates: There was a gridiron in the pantry, on which my morning
rasher of bacon was cooked. We had it out in a twinkling and immedi—
ately applied ourselves to carrying Mr. Micawber’s idea into effect.
Traddles cut the mutton into slices . Mr. Micawber covered them with
pepper, mustard, salt, and caynne, and I put them on the gridiron.
Mrs . Micawber heated and continually stirred, some mushroom ketchup
in a little saucepan. When we had slices enough done to begin upon, we

fell to, with our sleeves still tucked up at the wrists , more slices

93
sputtering on the fire and our attention divided between the mutton on
our plates and the mutton then preparing. My own appetite came back
miraculously. I am satisfied that Mr. and Mrs. Micawber could
not have enjoyed the feast more if they had sold a bed to provide it.
We were sipping punch, when Mrs . Micawber stated:

MRS. MICAWBER
As we are quite confidential here, Mr. Copperfield, Mr. Traddles
being part of our domesticity, I should like to have your opinion on
Mr. Micawber's prospects. The fact is that we cannot live without
something widely different from existing circumstances shortly turning
up. Now I am convinced, myself, and this I have pointed out to
Mr. Micawber several times of late, that things cannot be expected
to turn up of themselves . We must, in a measure assist to turn them
up. I may be wrong, but I have formed that opinion. Then what do I
recommend? Here is Mr. Micawber with a variety of qualifications--
with great talent--and here is Mr. Micawber without any suitable
position or employment. Where does the responsibility rest? Clearly
on society. Then I would make a fact so disgraceful known and boldly
challenge society to set it right. It appears to me, that what. Mr.
, Micawber has to do is to throw down the gauntlet to society, and say,
in effect, "Show me who will take that up. Let the party immediately

step forward . "

94

MICAWBER
And how is this to be done?
MRS. MICAWBER
By advertising in all the papers; to describe himself plainly as so—
and-so, with such and such qualifications, and to put it thus: "Now
employ me, on remunerative terms , and address , postpaid, to
W. M. , Post Office, Camdent Town. "
MICAWBER
This idea of Mrs . Micawber's , my dear Copperfield, is in fact the
leap to which I alluded when last had the pleasure of seeing you.
DAVID
Advertising is rather expensive.
MRS. MICAWBER
Exactly so! Quite true, my dear Mr. Copperfield. It is for that
reason especially that I think Mr. Micawber ought to raise a certain
sum of money on a bill. If no member of my family is possessed of.
sufficient natural feeling to negotiate that bill, I believe there is a
better business term to express what I mean . . .
MICAWBER
Discount!
MRS. MICAWBER
Discount that bill, then my opinion is , that Mr. Micawber should go

to the city, should take that bill into the Money Market, and should

95

dispose of it for what he can get. If the individuals in the Money
Market oblige Mr. Micawber to sustain a great sacrifice, that is be-
tween themselves and their consciences. I view it, steadily, as an
investment. I recommend Mr. Micawber to do the same; to regard it
as an investment which is sure of return, and to make up his mind
to any sacrifice.

DAVID
Narrates: It was between ten and eleven o'clock when Mrs . Micawber
rose to replace her cap in the whity-brown paper parcel, and to put on
her bonnet. Mr. Micawber took the opportunity of. Traddles putting on
his great coat, to slip a letter into my hand, witha whispered “re-
quest that I would read it at my leisure. I also took the opportunity of
my holding a candle over the banister to light them down, when
Mr. Micawber was going first, leading Mrs. Micawber, and Traddles
was following with the cap, to detain Traddles for a moment on the
top of the stairs .

DAVID
Traddles, Mr. Micawber don't mean any harm, poor fellow, but if I
were you, I wouldn't lend him anything.

TRADDLES

My dear Copperfield, I haven't got anything to lend.

DAVID

You have got your name, you know.

.96
TRADDLES
Oh, you call that something to lend?
DAVID
Certainly.
TRADDLES
Oh, yes, to be sure! I am very much obliged to you, Copperfield
but I am afraid I have lent him that already.
DAVID
For the bill that is to be a certain investment?
TRADDLES
No, not for that one. This is the first I have heard of that one. I
have been thinking that he will propose that one on the way home .
Mine's another.
DAVID
I hope there will be nothing wrong about it.
TRADDLES
I hope not. I should think not, though, because he told me, only
the other day, that it was provided for. That was Mr. Micawber's
expression, "Provided for. "
DAVID
Narrates: Mr. Micawber looking up at this juncture to where we were
standing, I had only time to repeat my caution. Traddles thanked me,

and descended. But I was much afraid, when I observed the good-natured

97

manner in which he went down with the cap in his hand, and gave
Mrs. Micawber his arm, that he would be carried into the Money Market
neck and heels . I was undressing in my room, when Mr. Micawber's
letter tumbled on the floor. Thus reminded of it, I broke the seal. It
was dated an hour and a half before dinner, and when Mr. Micawber
was in any particularly desperate crisis, he used a sort of legal
phraseology, which he seemed to think equivalent to winding up his
affairs; it read thus:

MICAWBER (reads)
Sir, for I dare not say my dear Copperfield, it is expedient that I
should inform you that the undersigned is crushed. Some flickering
efforts to spare you the premature knowledge of his calamituous
position you may observe in him this day, but hope has sunk beneath
the horizon, and the undersigned is crushed. The present communi-
cation is penned within the personal range of an individual, in a
state closely bordering on intoxication, employed by a broker. That
individual is in legal possession of the premises , under a distress
for rent. His inventory includes, not only the chattels and effects
of every description belonging to the undersigned, as yearly tenant
of his habitation, but also those appertaining to Mr. Thomas Traddles ,
lodger, a member of the Honorable Society of the Inner Temple, If any
drop of gloom were wanting in the overflowing cup, it would be found

in the fact that a friendly acceptance granted to the undersigned by

98
the afd'rementioned Mr. Thomas Traddles, for the sum of 23 4S . 9 l/2d.
is overdue, and is not provided for. After premising thus much, it would
be a work of supererogation to add, that dust and ashes are forever
scattered on the head of Wilkins Micawber.

Scene Five:
DAVID

Narrates: I was returning from a walk on a certain afternoon, and on
my way upstairs when I was surprised to find my outer door standing
open (which I had shut), and to hear voices inside. I did not know
what to make of this , and went into the sitting room. What was my
amazement to find, of all people on earth, my aunt there, and Mr. Dick!
My aunt was sitting on a quantity of luggage, with her two birds before
her, and her cat on her knee, like a female Robinson Cruscoe, drinking
tea. Mr. Dick was learning thoughtfully on a great kite, “such as we had
often been out together flying, with more luggage piled about him. "My
dear aunt! What an unexpected pleasure! " We cordially embraced,
and Mr. Dick and I cordially shook hands , and Mrs. Crupp, who could
not be too attentive, was busily making tea. After aunt had finished
her tea and carefully smoothed down her dress , and wiped her lips , she
asked:

MISS BETSY

Trot, have you got to be firm and self-reliant?

$.99

DAVID
I hope so, aunt.
MISS BETSY
What do you think?
DAVID
I think so, aunt.
MISS BETSY

Then why, my love, why do you think I prefer to sit upon this property
of mine tonight? Because, it's all I have. Because I'm ruined, my
dear! Dick knows it. I am ruined, my dear Trot! All I have in the
world is in this room, except the cottage; and that I have left my
maid, Janet, to let. Trot, I want to get a bed for Mr. Dick tonight,
to save expense, perhaps you can make up something here for myself.
Anything will do. It's only for tonight. We'll talk about this ,more
tomorrow. We must meet reverses boldly, and not suffer them to
frighten us, my dear. We must learn to act the play out. We must
live misfortune down, Trot!

DAVID
Narrates: Agnes came to London to visit my aunt, between whom and
herself there had come a mutual liking these many years; indeed, it
dated from the time of my taking up residence in Mr. Wickfield's house.
She was not alone, she said. Her papa was with her--and Uriah Heep.

DAVID

And now they are partners . Confound him!

100
AGNES
Yes, they have some business here, and I took advantage of their
coming, to come too. You must not think my visit all friendly and
disinterested, Trotwood, for--I am afraid I may be cruelly prejudiced--
I do not like to let Papa go away alone, with him.
DAVID
Does he exercise the same influence over Mr. Wickfield still, Agnes?
AGNES
There is such a change at home that you would scarcely know the dear
old house. They live with us now.
DAVID
They?
AGNES
Mr. Heep and his mother. He sleeps in your old room.
DAVID
I wish I had the ordering of his dreams . He wouldn't sleep there long.
DAVID‘
Narrates: We began to talk about my aunt's losses; I observed Agnes
turn pale, as she looked very attentively at my aunt. My aunt,
patting her cat, looked very attentively at Agnes .
MISS BETSY
Betsy Trotwood--I don't mean your sister, Trot, my dear, but myself--

had a certain property. It don't matter how much, enough to live on.

"1011
More, for she had saved a little, and added to it. Betsy funded her
property for some time, and then, by the advice of her man of busi—
ness , laid it out on landed security. That did very well, and returned
very good interest, till Betsy was paid off. I am talking of Betsy
as if she was a man-of-war. Well, then Betsy had to look about her,
for a new investment. She thought she was wiser now than her man of
business, who was not such a good man of business by this time, as
he used to be--I'm alluding to your father, Agnese-and she took it
into her head to lay it out for herself. So she took her pigs "to a for-
eign market, " and a very bad market it turned out to be. First she lost
in the mining way, and she lost in the diving—-fishing up treasure,
or some such Tom Tidler nonsense, and then she lost in the mining way
again, and last of all, to set the thing entirely to rights, she lost in
the banking way. The bank was at the other end of the world, and tumbled
into space, for what I know, and never will and never can pay six—
pence; and Betsy's sixpences were all there, and there's an end of
them. Least said, soonest mended.

AGNES
Dear Miss Trotwood, is that all the history?
MISS BETSY

I hope it's enough child. If there had been more money to lose, it
wouldn't have been all I dare say. Betsy would have contrived to

throw that after the rest, and make another chapter, I have little doubt.

102

But there was no more money, and there's no more story. Now Agnes ,
you have a wise head. So have you, Trot, in some things, though I
can't compliment you always. What's to be done? Here's the cottage,
taking one time with another, will produce say seventy pounds a year.
I think we may safely put it down at that. Well! That's all we've got!

DAVID
Narrates: In an effort to earn money to support Aunt Betsy and myself,
I sought out my old, retiring teacher at Highgate, Dr. Strong, and
undertook secretarial duties for him while he worked on his dictionary.
Not satisfied with all these proceedings , but burning with impatience
to do something more, I went to see Traddles. The first subject on
which I had to consult Traddles was this-—I had heard that many men
distinguished in various pursuits had begun life by reporting the de-
bates in Parliament. I told Traddles that I wished to know how I could
qualify myself for this pursuit. He informed me that the mere mechanical
acquisition necessary for thorough excellence in it, that is to say a
perfect and entire command of the mystery of shorthand writing and
reading, was about equal in difficulty to the mastery of six languages;
and that it might perhaps be attained, by dint of perseverance in the
course of a few years. Traddles reasonably supposed that this would
settle the business; I was undaunted.

DAVID

I am very much obliged to you, my dear Traddles . I'll begin tomorrow.

103
It'll b'uysa booktwith-agood' 'schem’etofthis art in. it; I'll, work at it
abth‘eCommo‘ns where I haven't half enough to do; I'll take down speeches
in our court for practice. Traddles , my dear fellow, I'll master it.

TRADDLES
Dear me, I had no idea you were such a determined character, Copperfield.
You have really put Mr. Micawber quite out of my head. Here is a letter
to you from him he asked me to deliver.
MICAWBER (reads)

My Dear Copperfield:
You may possibly not be prepared to receive the intimation that some-
thing has turned up. I may have mentioned to you on a former occasion
that I was in expectation of such an event. I am about to establish myself
in one of the provincial towns of our favored island in immediate connection
with one of the learned professions . Mrs. Micawber and our off-
spring will accompany me. In bidding adieu to the modern Babylon,
where we have undergone many vicissitudes , I trust not ignobly, Mrs .
Micawber and myself cannot disguise from our minds that we part,
it may be years and it may be forever, with an individual linked by
strong associations to the altar of our domestic life. If, on the eve of
such a departure, you will accompany our mutual friend, Mr. Thomas
Traddles , to our present abode, and there reciprocate the wishes natural
to the occasion, you will confer a boon on one who is ever yours, Wilkins

Micawber.

1'04

DAVID
Narrates: I was glad to find that something really had turned up at
last. Learning from Traddles that the invitation referred to the evening
then wearing away, I expressed my readiness to do honor to it; and
we went off together to the lodging which Mr. Micawber occupied.

MICAWBER

My dear Copperfield, yourself and Mr. Traddles find us on the brink of
migration, and will excuse any little discomforts incidental to that
position.

DAVID
I congratulate you, Mrs . Micawber, on the approaching change.

MRS. MICAWBER

It may be a sacrifice to immure one's self in a Cathedral town; but
surely if it is a sacrifice in me, it is much more a sacrifice in a man
of Mr. Micawber's abilities.

DAVID
Oh! You are going to Cathedral town?

MICAWBER

To Canterbury. In fact, my dear Copperfield, I have entered into
arrangements, by virtue of which I stand pledged and contracted to Our
friend Heep, to assist and serve him in the capacity of--and to be--
his confidential clerk. I am bound to state to you that the business

habits and the prudent suggestions of Mrs. Micawber have in a great

’10'5
measure conduced to this result. The gauntlet, to which Mrs. Micawber
referred upon a former occasion, being thrown down in the form of an ad-
vertisement, was taken up by my friend Heep, and led to a mutual recog-
nition, of my friend Heep who is a man of remarkable shrewdness , I
desire to speak with all possible respect. My friend Heep has not fixed
the positive remuneration at too high a figure, but he has made a great
deal, in the way of extrication from the pressure of pecuniary diffi-
culties, contingent on the value of my services; and on the value of those
services I pin my faith. Such address and intelligence as I chance to
possess will be devoted to my friend Heepfs service. To leave this
metropolis and my friend Mr. Thomas Traddles, without acquitting myself
of the pecuniary part of this obligation of eighteen, six, and two would
weigh upon my mind to an insupportable extent. I have, therefore,
prepared for my friend Mr. Thomas Traddles, and I now hold in my hand
a document, which accomplishes the desired object. I beg to hand to my
friend my 1.0. U. for forty-one, ten, and eleven and one-half, and I
am happy to recover my moral dignity, and to know that I can once more
walk erect before my fellow man!

DAVID
Narrates: Mr. Micawber walked so erect before his fellow man, on
the strength of his virtuous action, that his chest looked half as broad
again when he lighted us downstairs . We parted with great heartiness

on both sides; and when I had seen Traddles to his own door, and was

106
going home alone, I thought, among the other odd and contradictory
things I mused upon, that, slippery as Mr. Micawber was, I was
probably indebted to some compassionate recollection he retained of
me as his boy-lodger, for never having been asked by him for money.

End of Act II.

107
Act III
The Wickfield—Heep Mystery

DAVID
Narrates: One day my aunt suggested that I should go to Dover to see
that all was working well at the cottage, which was let, and to conclude
an agreement with the same tenant for a longer term of occupation. I
fell rather willingly into my aunt's pretense, as a means of enabling
me to pass a few tranquil hours with Agnes. I found everything in a
satisfactory state at the cottage and slept there one night after having
settled the little business I had to transact there. I then walked on
to Canterbury early the next day. Arriving at Mr. Wickfield's house,
I found, in the little lower room on the ground floor, where Uriah Heep
has been of old accustomed to sit, Mr. Micawber plying his pen with
great assiduity. He was dressed in a legal looking suit of black, and
loomed burly and large in the small office. Mr. Micawber was extremely
glad to see me, but a little confused too. He "would have conducted
me immediately into the presence of Uriah, but I declined.

DAVID
I know this house of old, you recollect, and will find my way upstairs .
How do you like the law, Mr. Micawber?

MICAWBER

My dear Copperfield, to a man possessed of the higher imaginative powers ,

the objection to legal studies is the amount of detail which they evolve.

.108

Even in our professional corespondence, the mind is not at liberty to
soar to any exalted form of expression. Still, it is a great pursuit. A
great pursuit.

DAVID
Do you have reason, so far, to be satisfied with your friend Heep's treat-
ment of you?

MICAWBER

(Looking to see that the door was closed and answering in": a lower voice)
My dear Copperfield, a man who labors under the pressure of pecuniary
embarrassments , is, with the generality of people, at a disadvantage.
That disadvantage is not diminished, when that pressure necesSitates
the drawing of stripendiary emoluments, before those emoluments are
strictly due and payable. All I can say is , that my friend Heep has
responded to appeals to which I need not more particularly refer, in a
manner calculated to redoud equally to the honor of his head and of his
heart.

DAVID
I am glad your experience is so favorable.

DAVID
Narrates: I took my leave of Mr. Micawber, for the time, charging
him with my best remembrances to all at home. As I left him, I clearly
perceived that there was something interposed between him and me, since

he had come into his new functions , which prevented our getting at each

9109
other as we used to do, and quite altered the character of our intercourse.
I observed all through the day that Uriah tried to entice Mr. Wickfield
to drink; and interpreting the look which Agnes had given me as she
went out after dinner, had limited myself to one glass, and then proposed
that we should follow her. I would have done so again the next evening
when we three males were alone after dinner, but Uriah was too quick
for me.

URIAH

We seldom see our present visitor, sir, and I should propose to give
him welcome in another glass or two of wine, if you have no objections .
Mr. Copperfield, your 'elth and "appiness;! Come, fellow-partner!
I'll give you another one, and I 'umbly ask for bumpers, seeing I intend
to make it to the divinest of her sex. I'm an 'umble individual. to give
you her 'lelth, but I admire-~adore her. Agnes-«Agnes Wickfield is,
I am safe to say, the divinest of her sex. May I speak out, among
friends ? To be her father is a proud distinction, but to be her husband
(Mr. Wickfield utters a cry of horror). What's the matter? You are not
gone mad, after all, Mr. Wickfield, I hope? If I say I've an ambition
to make your Agnes my Agnes, I have as good a right to it as another
man. I have a better right to it than any other man!

WICKFIELD
Look at my torturer. Before him I have step by step abandoned name

and reputation, peace and quiet, house and home.

110

URIAH

I have kept your name and reputation for you, and peace and quiet, and
your house and home, too. Don't be foolish, Mr, Wickfield. If I have
gone a little beyond what you were prepared for, I can go back, I suppose.
There's no harm done.

WICKFIELD
I look for single motives in everyone, and I was satisfied I had bound
him to me by motives of interest. But I see what he is-—oh, see what
he is!

URIAH

You had better stop him, Copperfield, if you can. He'll say something
presently-—mind you! He'll be sorry to have said it afterwards , and
you'll be sorry to have heard.

WICKFIELD
I'll say anything! Why should I not be in all the world's power if I
am in yours ? Oh, Trotwood! What I have come down to be since I
first saw you in this house! I was on my downward way then, but the
dreary, dreary road I have traversed since! Weak indulgence has ruined
me. Indulgence in remembrance, and indulgence in forgetfulness . My
natural grief for my child's mother turned to disease; my natural love
for my child turned to disease. I have infected everything I touched.
Thus the lessons of my life have been perverted! I have preyed on my

own morbid coward heart, and it has preyed on me. Sordid in my

11.1
grief, sordid in my love, sordid in my miserable escape from the darker
side of both, oh see the ruin I am, and hate me, shun me! (sobbing
weakly, the excitement into which he had been arounsed is leaving
him) I don't know all I have done, in my fatuity. He knows best
(pointing to Uriah) for he has always been at my elbow, whispering
to me. You see the milstone that he has been around my neck. You find
him in my house, you find him in my business. You heard him but a
little time ago. What need have I to say more!

AGNES
(enters suddenly) Papa, you are not well. Come with me!

DAVID
Narrates: He laid his head upon her shoulder, as if he were oppressed
with heavy shame, and went out with her. Her eyes met mine for but
an instant, yet, I saw how much she knew what had passed.

URIAH
I didn't expect he'd cut up so rough, Master Copperfield, but it's
nothing. I'll be friends with him tomorrow. It's for his good. I'm
'umbly anxious for his good.

DAVID
Narrates: I gave him no answer and went upstairs into the quiet room
where Agnes had so often sat beside me at my books and tried to read.
I heard the clocks strike twelve, and was still reading when Agnes

touched me .

'112

AGNES
You will be going early in the morning, Trotwood. Let us say goodbye
now." Heaven‘bles 8 YOU -

DAVID
(She had been crying, but her face was calm and beautiful. She
gave me her hand.) Dearest Agnes! I see you ask me not to speak of
tonight--but is there nothing to be done?

AGNES
There is God to trust in!

DAVID
Can I do nothing--I, who come to you with my poor sorrows ?

AGNES
And make mine so much lighter. Dear Trotwood, no!

DAVID
Dear Agnes, it is presumptuous for me, who am so poor in all in which
you are so rich-—goodness, resolution, all noble qualities--to doubt
or direct you, but you know how much I love you, and how much I owe
you. You will never sacrifice yourself to a mistaken sense of duty.
Say you have no such thought, dear Agnes! Think of the priceless gift
of such a heart as yours, of such a love as yours!

DAVID
Narrates: I saw the face rise up before me, with its momentary look,

not wondering, not accusing, not regretting. I saw the look subside into

113

a lovely smile.

AGNES
I have no fear for myself. You need not have any for me.

DAVID
Narrates: She parted from me by the name of Brother, and was gone!
Scene Two:

DAVID
Narrates: I received one morning by the post the following letter, dated
Canterbury, and addressed to me at Doctor's Commons , which I
read with some surprise.

MICAWBER (reads)

My Dear Sir:
If your more important avocations should admit of your ever tracing
these imperfect characters, you will naturally inquire by what object am
I influenced then in inditing the present missive. My brightest visions
are forever diSpelled'---my peace is shattered and my power of enjoy-
ment destroyed and I no more can walk: erect before my fellow man.
The canker is in the flower. The cup is bitter to the brim. The
worm is at his work, and will soon dispose of his victim. The sooner
the better. It is my intention to fly for a short period, and devote a
respite of eight and forty hours to revisiting some metropolitan scenes
of past enjoyment. Arnong other havens of domestic tranquility and

peace of mind, my feet will naturally tend towards the King's Bench

.114
Prison. In stating that I shall be on the outside of the south wall of
that place of incarceration on civil process, the day after tomorrow,
at seven in the evening, precisely, my object in this communication
is accomplished. I do not feel warranted in soliciting my former
friend, Mr. Copperfield, or my former friend Mr. Thomas Traddles of
the Inner Temple, if that gentleman is still Existent and forthcoming,
to condescend to meet me, and renew our past relations of the olden
time. I confine.- myself to throwing out the observation that at the
hour and place I have indicated may be found such ruined vestages as
yet remain of a fallen tower, Wilkins Micawber. P.S. It may be
advisable to superadd to the above, the statement that Mrs . Micawber
is pg]; in confidential possession of my intentions.

DAVID
Narrates: I read the letter over several times . Making due allowance
for Mr. Micawber's lofty style of composition, I still believe that
something important lay hidden at the bottom of this roundabout com-
munication. I put it down to think about it and then took it up again,
to read it once more; and I was still pursuing it when Traddles found
me in the height of perplexity:
DAVID

My dear fellow, I never was so pleased to see you. You come to give
me the benefit of your sober judgment at a most opportune time. I have

received a singular letter, Traddles , from Mr. Micawber.

ll'5
TRADDLES
No! You don't say so! And I have received one from Mrs . Micawber.
DAVID
Narrates: With that, Traddles , produced his letter and made an exchange
with me. Mrs . Micawber was alarmed at the change in the conduct of
her husband; his great secrecy, short temper, and sudden departure
for London. She asked Traddles to see her misguided husband and to
reason with him and to restore him to his good senses .
TRADDLES
What do you think of that letter?
DAVID
What do you think of the other?
TRADDLES
I think that the two together, Copperfield, mean more than Mr. and
Mrs. Micawber usually mean in their correspondence, but I don't
know what. They are both written in good faith, I have no doubt,
and without any collusion. Poor thing! It is a charity to write to her,
at all events , and tell her that we will not fail to see Mr. Micawber.
DAVID
Narrates: I now wrote a comforting letter to Mrs. Micawber, in our
joint names, and we both signed it. As we walked into town to post
it, Traddles and I had a long conference; but we only decided that we

would be very punctual in keeping Mr. Micawber's appointment.

116

Although we appeared at the stipulated place a quarter of an hour before
the time, we found Mr. Micawber already there. When we accosted him,
his manner was something more confused, and something less genteel
than of yore. He had relinquished his legal suit of black for the purposes
of this excursion, and wore the old surtout and tights , but not with the
old air.
Scene Three:

MICAWBER
Gentlemen. You are friends in need, and friends indeed. Your cordiality

d

overpowers me. This reception.- of a shattered fragment of the Temple
once called Man bespe‘aks a heart that is an honor to our common nature.
I was about to observe that I again behold the serene spot where some
of the happiest hours of my existence fleeted by.
DAVID

Made so, I am sure, by Mrs. Micawber. I hope she is well?

MICAWBER
Thank you. She is 50—50. When I was an inmate of King Bench Prison,
I could look my fellow man in the face, and punch his head if he
offended me. My fellow man and myself are no longer on those glorious
terms . '

TRADDLES
Oh, you are in low spirits , Mr. Micawber. I hope it is not because

you have conceived dislike to the law—-for I am a lawyer myself, you

know .

117
DAVID
How is our friend Heep, Mr. Micawber?
MICAWBER
My dear Copperfield, if you ask after my employer as mfriend, I
am sorry for it; if you ask after him as _m_y friend, I sardonically smile
at it. In whatever capacity you ask after my employer, I beg, without
offense to you, to limit my reply to this--that whatever his state of
health may be, his appearance is foxy, not to say diabolical. You
will allow me, as a private individual, to decline pursuing a subject
which has lashed me to the utmost verge of desperation in my pro-
fessional capacity.
DAVID
I regret for having touched innocently upon a theme that roused you
so much. May I ask ._.without any hazard of repeating the mistake
how my old friends Mr. and Miss Wickfield are?
MICAWBER
Miss Wickfield is , as she always is, a pattern, and a bright example.
She is the only starry spot in a miserable existence.
DAVID
Mr. Micawber, it would give me great pleasure to introduce you to
my aunt, if you would ride out to Highgate where a bed is at your
service. You shall make us a glass of your own punch, and forget

whatever you have on your mind, in pleasanter reminiscence.

118

TRADDLES
Or, if confiding anything to friends will be more likely to relieve you,
you shall import it to us, Mr. Micawber.

MICAWBER
Gentlemen, do with me as you will! I am a straw upon the surface of
the deep, and am tossed in all directions by the elephants--I beg
your pardon; I should have said the elements .

DAVID

Narrates: We went to my aunt's house, and my aunt presented her—
self and welcomed Mr. Micawber with gracious cordiality.

MISS BETSY
You are a very old friend of my nephew's , Mr. Micawber, and I wish I
had had the pleasure of seeing you before.

MICAWBER
Madam, I wish I had the honor of knowing you at an earlier period.
I was not always the wreck you at present behold.

MISS BETSY
I hope Mrs..MicaWber and your family are well, sir.

MICAWBER
They are as well, ma'am as aliens and outcasts, can ever hope to be.

MISS BETSY

Lord bless you, sir! What are you talking about?

119
MICAWBER
The subsistence of my family, ma'am, trembles in the balance. My
employer--my employer, ma'am, Mr. Heep, once did me the favor to
observe to me that if I were not in the receipt of the stipendiary
emoluments appertaining to my engagement with him, I should probably
be a mountebahk about the country, swollowing a sword blade and eating
the devouring element. For anything that I can perceive to the contrary,
it is still probable that my children may be reduced to seek a livelihood
by personal contortion while Mrs . Micawber abets their unnatural feats by
playing the barrel organ.
DAVID
Mr. Micawber, what is the matter? Pray speak out. You are among
friends .
MICAWBER

Among friends, sir! Good heavenS, it is principally because I gm
among friends that my state of mind is what it is . What is the matter,
gentlemen? What is pg the matter? ’Villany is the matter; deception,
fraud, conspiracy, are the matter; and the name of the atrocious mass
is--Heep! The struggle is over! I will lead this life no longer. I
have been under a taboo in that iinfernal‘scoundreli's service. I'll
put my hand in no man's until I have --blown to fragments—-the, a--
detestable—-serpent--Heep! Refreshment--underneath this roof—-

particularly punchm-woul'd-wauchoke me——unless--I had--previously

120

choked the eyes—-out of the head--a-—of--interminable cheat, and
liar-—Heep! I'll know nobody--and--say nothing--and-—a--live no-
where-—until I have cmshed——to——a-—undiscoverable atom-~the—-
transcendent and immortal hypocrite and perjurer—-Heep!
No communication until--Miss Wickfield--a--redress from wrongs in-
flicted by consummate scoundrel-—Heep! Inviolable secret—~from the
whole world—~a-—no exceptions-—this day week--at breakfast time--
a--everybody present--including aunt-~and extremely friendly gentle-
man—~to be at hotel at Canterbury-~where Mrs. Micawber and myself--
will expose intolerable ruffian--Heep! No more to say--or listen to
persuasion--go immediately--upon the track of devoted and doomed
traitor—-Heep!

DAVID
Narrates: With this last repetition of the magic word that had kept him
going at all, Mr. Micawber rushed out of the house leaving us in a
state of excitement, hope, and wonder, that reduced us to a condition
little better than his own. But even then his passion for writing
letters was too strong to be resisted, for while we were at the
height of our excitement, hope, and wonder, the following note was
brought to me from a neighboring tavern, at which he had called to

write; in part it read:

121

MICAWBER (reads)
My Dear Sir:
I beg to be allowed to convey, through you, my apologies to your
excellent aunt for my late excitement. An explosion of a smouldering
volcano long suppressed, was; the result of an internal contest more
easily conceived than described. I trust I rendered tolerably intelligible
my appointment for the morning of this day week, at the house of public
entertainment at Canterbury, where Mrs . Micawber and myself had once
the honor of uniting our voices to yours . Wilkins Micawber.
Scene Four:

DAVID

Narrates: When the time Mr. Micawber had appointed so mysteriously,
was within four and twenty hours of being come, my aunt and I consulted
how we should proceed. We decided that the four of us , that is to say
my aunt, Mr. Dick, Traddles , and I would go down to Canterbury by
the Dover mail that night. We made the "journey without incident.
At the hotel where Mr. Micawber had requested us to await him,
which we got into with some trouble in the middle of the night, Ifound
a letter, importing that he would appear in the morning punctually at
half-past nine. When we sat down at breakfast next morning, we all
became very anxious and impatient. As it approached nearer and nearer
to half-past nine o'clock, our restless expectation of Mr. Micawber

increased. I looked out the window to give early notice of Mr. Micawber's

122

coming. Nor had I long to watch, for, at the first chime of the half-
hour, he appeared.

MICAWBER
Gentlemen, and madam, good morning. My dear sir, you look extremely
well.

MR. DICK
Have you breakfasted? Have a chop.

MICAWBER
Not for the world, my good sir! Appetite and myself, Mr. Dixon, have
long been strangers .

MISS BETSY
Now, sir, we are ready for Mount Vesuvius, or anything else, as soon
as yep please.

MICAWBER
Madam, I trust you will shortly witness an eruption. Mr. Traddles , I
have your permission, I believe, to mention here that we have been in
communication together ?

TRADDLES
It is undoubtedly the fact, Copperfield. Mr. Micawber has consulted
me, in reference to what he has in contemplation; and I have advised
him to the best of my judgment.

MICAWBER

Unless I deceive myself, Mr. Traddles, what I contemplate is a

"123

disclosure or an important nature.

TRADDLES
Highly so!

MICAWBER
Mr. Copperfield, I no uld beg to be allowed a start of five minutes by
the clock; and then to receive the present company, inquiring for
Miss Wickfield, at the office of Wickfield and Heep, whose stripendiary
I am. I have no more to say at present.

DAVID

Narrates: With which, to my infinite surprise, he included us all in a
comprehensive bow, and disappeared. I took out my watch, and, as a
last resource, counted off the five minutes . My aunt, with her own
watch in her hand, did the like. When the time had expired, Traddles
gave her his arm, and we all went out together to the old house without
saying one word on the way. We found Mr. Micawber at his desk,
wither writing, or pretending to write, hard. The large office ruler was
stuck into his waistcoat, and was not so well concealed but that
a foot or more of that instrument protruded from his bosom, like a new
kind of shirt-frill. As it appeared to me that I was expected to speak,
I said, "How do you do, Mr. Micawber?"

MICAWBER

Mr. Copperfield, I hope I see you well?

124

DAVID

Is Mr. Wickfield at home?
MICAWBER

Mr. Wickfield is unwell in bed, sir, of rheumatic fever; but Miss
Wickfield, I have no doubt, will be happy to see old friends . Will
you walk in, sir?

DAVID
Narrates: He preceded us to the dining room and flinging open the
door of Mr. Wickfield's former office, said, in a sonorous voice:

MICAWBER

Miss Trotwood, Mr. David Copperfield, Mr. Thomas Traddles, and
Mr. Dixon.

DAVID
Narrates: I had not seen Uriah Heep for some time. Our visit
astonished him, evidently; not the less, I dare say, because it
astonished ourselves .

URIAH
Well, I am sure, this is indeed an unexpected pleasure! To have, as
I may say, all friends round Saint Paul's at once, is a treat unlocked
for! Mr. Copperfield, I hope to see you well, and—-ifI may humbly
express myself so--friendly towards them as is ever your friends ,
whether or not. Micawber, tell 'em to let Miss Agnes know and mother.

Mother will be in quite a state, when she sees the present company!

12,5

DAVID
Narrates: When Agnes entered, she was not quite so self—possessed
as usual, I thought, and she had evidently undergone anxiety and
fatigue. But her earnest cordiality and her quiet beauty shone with
the gentler luster for it. I saw Uriah watch her while she greeted us;
and he reminded me of an ugly and rebellious genie watching a good
spirit. In the meanwhile, some slight sign passed between Mr.
Micawber and Traddles; and Traddles, unobserved except by me, went
out.

URIAH
Don't wait, Micawber . . . . what are you waiting for? Micawber!

Did you hear me tell you not to wait?

MICAWBER
Yes!
URIAH
Then why tip you wait?
MICAWBER
Because I--in short, choose!
URIAH

You are a dissipated fellow, as all the world knows , and I am afraid
you'll oblige me to get rid of you. Go along! I'll talk to you presently.
MICAWBER

If there is a scoundrel on earth with whom I have already talked too much,

126

that scoundrel's name is--Heep!

URIAH
Oh, ho! This is a conspiracy! You have met here by appointment!
You are playing Booty with me clerk; are you, Copperfield? Now, take
care. You'll make nothing of this . We understand each other, you and
me. There's no love between us. You were always a puppy with a
proud stomach, from your first coming here and you envy me my rise,
do you? None of your plots against me; I'll counterplot you. Micawber,
you be off. I'll talk to you presently.

DAI/ID
Mr. Micawber, deal with him as he deserves!

URIAH
You are a precious set of people, ain't you? To buy over my clerk,
who is the very scum of society—-as you yourself were, Copperfield
you know it, before anyone had charity on you--to defame me with
lies ? Miss Wickfield, if you have any love for your father, you had
better not join that gang. I'ilfruin him if you do. Now, come, I have
got some of you under the harrow. Think twice before it goes over you.
Think twice, you, Micawber, if you don't want to be crushed. I
recommend you to take yourself off, and be talked to presently, you
fool, while‘there's time to retreat! Where's mother?

TRADDLES

Mrs. Heep is here, sir. I have taken the liberty of making myself known

127

to her.

URIAH

Who are you to make yourself known? What do you want here?

TRADDLES
I am the agent and friend of Mr. Wickfield, sir, and I have a power of
attorney from him in my pocket, to act for him in all matters .

URIAH

Then it has been got from him by fraud!

TRADDLES
Something has been got from him by fraud, I know, and so do you,
Mr. Heep. We will refer that question, if you please, to Mr. Micawber.

MICAWBER
My charges against Heep are as follows: First, when Mr. Wickfield's
faculties and memory for business became weakened and confused, Heep
designedly perplexed and complicated the whole of the official trans-
actions . When Mr. Wickfield was least fit to enter on business, Heep
was always at hand to force him to enter on it. He obtained Mr. Wickfield's
signature under such circumstances to documents of importance, representing
them to be other documents of no importance. He induced Mr. Wickfield
to empower him to draw out one particular sum of trust money and em-
ployed it to most pretended business charges and deficiencies which were
either already provided for, or had never really existed. He gave this

proceeding, throughout, the appearance of having been accomplished by

128
Mr. Wickfield's own dishonest act; and has used it, ever since to
torture and restrain him.

URIAH

You shall prove this , Copperfield! All in good time.

MICAWBER
Ask Heep if he ever kept a pocketbook in that house, will you? Or ask
him if he ever burnt one there. If he says yes and asks you where the
ashes are, refer him to Wilkins Micawber, and he will hear of some-
thing not at all to his advantage. Now to proceed: Second, Heep has ,
on several occasions , to the best of my knowledge, information and
belief, systematically forged, to various entries , books , and documents ,
the signature of Mr. Wickfield, and has done distinctly so in one in—
stance capable of proof by me. Mr. Wickfield, being infirm, and it"
being within the bounds of probability that his descease might lead to
some discoveries , and to the downfall of Heep's power over the Wickfield
family. The said Heep deemed it expedient to have a bond ready by
him, as from Mr. Wickfield for the before mentioned sum of trust money
with interest, to save Mr. Wickfield from dishonor; though really the
sum was never advanced by him, and has long been replaced. The
signatures to this instrument purporting to be executed by Mr. Wickfield
and attested by Wilkins Micawber are forgeries by Heep. I have, in
my possession, in his hand and pocketbook, several similar imitations

of Mr. Wickfield's signature here and there defaced by fire, but legible

129

to anyone. I never attested to any such document. And I have the
document itself in my possession.
MRS. HEEP
Ury, Ury! Be 'umble and make terms. I know my son will be 'umble,
gentlemen, if you'll give him time to think. Mr. Copperfield, I'm sure
that you know that he was always very humble, sir!
URIAH
Mother, you had better take and fire a loaded gun at me.
MRS. HEEP
But I love you, Ury, and I can't bear to hear you provoking the
gentlemen and endangering of yourself more. I told the gentleman
at first when he told me upstairs it was come to light, that I would
answer for your being 'umble, and making amends . Oh, see how 'umble
I am, gentlemen, and don't mind him!
URIAH
Whey, there's Copperfield, mother. There's Copperfield would have
given you a hundred pound to say less than you've blurted out!
MRS. HEEP
I can't help it, Ury. I can't see you running into danger, through carry-
ing your head so high. Better be 'umble, as you always was .
URIAH

What more have you got to bring forward? If anything, go on with it.

130
MICAWBER
Third, and last: I am now in condition to show, by Heep's false books,
and Heep's real memoranda, beginning with the partially destroyed pocket-
book, that Mr. Wickfield has been for years deluded and plundered by
the false and grasping Heep. That the engrossing object of Heep was ,
next to gain, to subdue Mr. and Miss Wickfield (of his ulterior views
in reference to the latter I say nothing) entirely to himself. That his
last act, completed but a few months since, was to induce Mr. Wickfield
to execute a relinquishment of his share in the partnership, and even
a bill of sale on the very furniture of his house, in consideration of a
certain annuity, to be well and truly paid by Heep on the four common
quarter days in each and every year. These meshes gradually thickened,
until the unhappy Mr. Wickfield could see no world beyond. Bankrupt,
as he believed, his sole reliance was upon the monster in the garb of
the man, Heep, who by making himself necessary to him, had achieved
his destruction. All this I undertake to show. Probably much more!
I have concluded. It merely remains for me to substantiate these
accusations , and then with my ill-starred family, to disappear from
the landscape on which we appear to be an incumbrance. I remain
always, Wilkins Micawber.
DAVID

Narrates: There was , as I had noticed on my first visit long ago, an iron

safe in the room. The key was in it. A hasty suspicion seemed to strike

131
Uriah, and with a glance at Mr. Micawber, he went to it and threw the
doors clanking open. It was empty"
URIAH
Where are the books ? Some thief has stolen the books!
MICAWBER
(tapping himself with the ruler) I did, when I got the key from you as
usual--but a little earlier--and opened it this morning.
TRADDLES
Don't be uneasy. They have come into my possession. I will take care
of them under the authority I mentioned.
‘ URIAH
You received stolen goods , did you?
TRADDLES
Under the circumstances , yes .
DAVID
Narrates: What was my astonishment when I beheld my aunt, who had
been profoundly quiet and attentive, make a dart at Uriah Heep, and
seize him by the collar with both hands!
MISS BETSY
You know what I want?
URIAH

A strait—waistcoat .

132

MISS BETSY
No. My property! Agnes, my dear, as long as I believe it had been
really made away with by your father, I wouldn't breathe a syllable of
its having been placed here for investment. But now I know this fellow's
answerable for it, and I '11 have it! Trot, come and take it away from him!
URIAH
What do you want done ?
DAVID
What must be done is this . First, the deed of relinquishment, that we
have heard of, must be given over to me now--here.
URIAH
Suppose I haven't got it.
TRADDLES
But you have, and, therefore, we won't suppose so. Then you mu st
prepare to disgorge all that your rapacity has become possessed of,
and to make restoration to the last farthing. All the partnership books
and papers must remain in our possession; all your books and papers;
all money accounts and securities , of both kinds. In short, everything
here.
URIAH
Must it? I don't know that I must have time to think about that.
TRADDLES

Certainly, but, in the meanwhile, and until everything is done to our

133
satisfaction, we shall maintain possession of these things; and beg
you, in short, compel you, to keep to your own room, and hold no
communications with anyone.

URIAH
I won't do it!
TRADDLES
Maidstone Jail is a safer place of detention, and though the law may
be longer in righting us , and may not be able to right us so completely
as you can, there is no doubt of its punishing you. Copperfield, will
you go round to the Guildhouse, and bring a couple of officers ?
MRS. HEEP
(crys loudly) Oh Ury, Ury!
URIAH
Stop, Copperfield! Mother, hold your nose. Well! Let 'em have
that deed. Go and fetch it!
TRADDLES
Do you help her, Mr. Dick, if you please.
DAVID
Narrates: Proud of his commission, and understanding it, Mr. Dick
accompanied her as a shepard's dog might accompany a sheep. But
Mrs . Heep gave him little trouble; for she not only returned with the
deed, but with the box in which it was , where we found a banker's book

and some other papers that were afterwards serviceable.

'134
TRADDLES

Good! Now, Mr. Heep, you can retire to think.

URIAH
Copperfield, I have always hated you. You've always been an upstart,
and you've always been against me.

DAVID
As I think I told you once before, it is you who have been, in your
greed and cunning, against all the world. It may be profitable to you
to reflect, in future, that there never was greed and cunning in the
world yet, that did not do too much and overreach itself. It is as cer-
tain as death.

MICAWBER

My friends, please come to my house and be witnesses to the re-
establishment of mutual confidence between myself and Mrs . Micawber.

DAVID
Narrates: As we were all very grateful to him and all desirous to show
that we were, I dare say we all should have gone, but that the neces-
sity for Agnes to return to her father, as yet unable to bear more than
the dawn of hope; and for someone to hold Uriah in safe keeping. So
Traddles remained for the purpose, to be relieved later by Mr. Dick.
And then Mr. Dick, my aunt, and I went home with Mr. Micawber.
Scene Five:

DAVID

Narrates: Mr. Micawber‘s house was not far off; and as the street

135
door opened into the sitting room, he bolted in with a precipitation
quite his own. We found ourselves at once in the bosom of the family.

MICAWBER
Emma! My life!

DAVID
Narrates:: Mrs. Micawber shrieked, rushed into his arms and folded
Mr. Micawber into her embrace, and then fainted away. My aunt
and Mr. Micawber recovered her and introductions were made. Then
Mrs . Micawber recognized me.
MRS. MICAWBER

Excuse me, dear Mr. Copperfield, but I am not strong, and the removal
of the late misunderstanding between Mr. Micawber and myself was at
first too much for me.

MISS BETSY
Mr. Micawber, I wonder you have never turned your thoughts to
emigration.

MICAWBER
Madam, it was the dream of my youth, and the fallacious aspiration of
my riper years .

MISS BETSY
Aye? Why, what a thing it would be for yourself and your family if you

were to emigrate now.

136

MICAWBER

(gloomily) Capital, madam, capital.
MRS. MICAWBER

That is the principal, I may say, the only difficulty, my dear Miss
Trotwood.

MISS BETSY
Capital? But you are doing us a great service—-have done us a great
service, I may say, for surely much will come out of the fire--and
what could we do for you, that would be half so good as to find the
capital?

MICAWBER
I could not receive it as a gift, but if a sufficient sum could be ad-
vanced, say at five per cent interest per annum, upon my personal
liability—-say my notes of hand, at twelve, eighteen, and twenty-four
months, respectively, to allow time for something to turn up . . . . .

MISS BETSY
Could be? Can be and shall be, on your own terms, if you say the
word. Think of this now, both of you. There are some people David
knows who are going out to Australia shortly. If you decide to go,
why shouldn't you go in the same ship? Take your time and weight it
well.

MRS. MICAWBER

There is but one question, my dear ma'am, I could wish to ask.

137

The climate, I believe, is healthy?

MISS BETSY
The finest in the world!

MRS. MICAWBER

Just so. Then my question arises . Now are the circumstances of the
country such that a man of Mr. Micawber's abilities would have a fair
chance of rising in the social scale?

MISS BETSY
No better opening anywhere for a man who conducts himself well, and
is industrious .

MRS. MICAWBER

For a man who conducts himself well, and is industrious , precisely.
It is evident to me that Australia is the legitimate sphere of action for
Mr. Micawber.

MICAWBER
My dear madam, perhaps I cannot better express the conclusion at
which Mrs . Micawber has arrived, than by borrowing the language of
an illustrious poet to reply that our Boat is on the shore, and our
Bark is on the sea.
(end of scene, all lights out except the one upon David)
Conclusion:

DAVID

Narrates: What I have purposed to record is nearly finished. I have

138
advanced in fame and fortune as a writer, and my domestic joy is per-
fect for having married Agnes Wickfield after the Micawbers left for
Australia. Mr. Micawber has paid off every obligation he incurred here--
even to Traddles-1's bill, and he is doing well as the Magistrate of Port
Middlebay, Australia, and signs his letters, Wilkins Micawber,
Esquire. And now my written story ends . I look back once more-—for
the last-«before I close these leaves. I see myself, with Agnes at
my side, journeying along the road of life. I see our children and our
friends around us; and I hear the roar of many voices, not indifferent
to me as I travel on. What faces are the most distinct to me in the
fleeting crowd? Lo, these; all turning to me as I ask my thoughts the
question!

Here is my aunt, in stronger spectacles, an old woman of four score
years and more, but upright yet, and a steady walker of six miles at
a stretch in winter weather. My aunt's disappointment is set right now.
She is godmother to a real living Betsy Trotwood. Among my boys, this
summer holiday time, I see an old man making kites, and gazing at them
in the air, with a delight for which there are no words. Mr. Dick
greets me rapturously, and whispers, with many nods and winks:

MR. DICK
Trotwood, you will be glad to hear that aunt of yours is the most extra-
ordinary woman in the world, sir! Yes , most extraordinary!

DAVID

Narrates: Uriah Heep has not been heard of since he left with his mother by one

139
of the London night coaches shortly after his exposure, and I know
no more about him.

Always with my aunt, comes Peggotty, my good old nurse, likewise
in spectacles, accustomed to do needlework at night very close to the
lamp, but never sitting down to it without a bit of wax candle, a yard
of measure in a little house, and a work-box with a picture of St. Paul's
on the lid.

Working at his chambers in the Temple, with a busy aspect and his
hair (where he is not bald) made more rebellious than ever by the
constant friction of his lawyer's wig, is Traddles, married now and
with bright prospects of becoming a judge.

And now, as I close my task, subduing my desire to linger yet, these
faces fade away. But the one face, shining on me like a heavenly
light by which I see all other objects is above them and beyond them
all.” And that remains . I turn my head, and see it, in its beautiful
serenity, ,beside..me.. Ah, Agnes, thy dear presence, without which
I were nothing, bears me company. So may. thy face be by me when I
close my life indeed; so may I, when realities are melting from me
likegshadows.which I now dismiss , still find thee near me, pointing
upward!

End of Act III

140

TEST

DAVID CO PPERPIELD

(Covering only scenes presented in the Reading Theatre Production)

1.

Identifications: Match these characters in the story to the statements

that will best identify them. Pleace letters on answer

sheets only .

A. Mr. David Copperfield H. Uriah Heep

B. Mrs. Clara Copperfield 1. James Steerforth
C. Mr... Dick J. Tommy Traddles
D. Mrs; Micawber K. Betsy Trotwood
E. M'r‘s. Micawber L. Mr. Quinion

F. Mr. Murdstone M Mr? Wickfield
G. Peggotty N. Agnes Wickfield

Statements:

This woman was separated from her husband after an unhappy
marriage.

This next woman gave birth to a child after her husband had
been dead six months .

As a child, he read a story about crocodiles.

This man became David Copperfield's step-father.

This boy stood up and defended David against abuse at school.

This boy drew skeletons cm paper during classes .

This man was a partner in a wine trade business .

This man first gave lodging to David at Windscr'Terrace, City Road.

He was freed from debt by Aunt Betsy. ’

He managed a COunting-house in London.

We identify him with the line, "In case anything turns up. "

To a relative and close friend he was known as "Trot. "

Flying kites and writing a memorial were his greatest achievements .

His one motive in life was to provide for his daughter.

This man considered himself to be a very "'umble" clerk.

She took' over the housekeeping When her mother died.

He wanted to become a proctor in Doctor's Common.

This conniving fellow had ambitions of marrying his employer's
daughter.

141
19. By learning shorthand, he earned extra money by recording speeches
'. in Parliament.
20. This dear friend of David's was primarily responsible for Uriah Heep's
exposure.
II. True and False Statements: In the blank space, place a "+" if the state-

ment is completely true, and an "C" if it is false in any way.

21. David Copperfield was an "only child. "

22 . David's real father and mother died after he was born.

23. David was well treated and cared for by Mr. Murdstone.

24. Aunt Betsy Trotwood always wanted a boy like David Copperfield.

25. Mr. Micawber was a man of great wealth who was always expecting
something to turn up.

26. Mr. Dick was a wise old scholar who looked after Aunt Betsy.

27. Uriah Heep was exposed by Mr. Dick and Traddles alone.
28. Mr. Wickfield is sent to prison for fraud and forgery.
29. Uriah Heep always hated David since their first meeting.

30. Agnes Wickfield was David' s greatest source of strength and
comfort during his moments of indecision.

31 . Agnes also was in love with Uriah Heep and planned to marry him.

32 . Aunt Betsy recovered her property and sent Mr. Micawber and his

’ ' family to Austria.

33. Tommy Traddles is a serious and sensitive student when David first
meets him at school.

34. Micawber islater employed as a confidential clerk by Uriah Heep.

35. Uriah Heep is threatened with Maidstone Jail if he refuses to co—
operate-.- in releasing Mr. Wickfield's account books.

111. Matching: From the following list of words in Column II, match the

duality that best fits the character in Column 1.

 

 

COLUMN I COLUMN II
36. Clara Copperfield A. Abrupt
37. David Copperfield, Young Boy B. Abused
38. David Copperfield, Young Man C. Boastful

39. Mr. Dick D. Clownish

40.

41.

42.

43.

44.

45.

46.

47.

48.

49.

50.

COLUMN I
Uriah Heep, Young Man
Uriah Heep, later years
Mr. Micawber
Mrs. Micawber
Mr. Murdstone
Peggotty
James Steerforth
Tommy Traddles
Aunt Betsy Trotwood
Agnes Wickfield

Mr. Wickfield

'142

Devoted
Lkunken
Earnest
Healthy
Humble
Maternal
Motherly
Simple—minded
Sinister
Stern
Verbose
"Wax—doll "

Spoiled

idea???

 

 

 

146

' BIBLIOGRAPHY

£223.91

Compere, Moiree... Living Literature. New York: Appleton-Century-
Crofts, Inc., 1949.

'House, Humphry. The Dickens World. New York and London: 1941.

Johnson, Gertrude and Lowry, Sara. Interpretive ReadingLTechniques
and Selections . New York: Appleton-Century-Crofts,
Inc., 1953. '

Lee, Charlotte. Oral Interpretation. Boston: Houghton-Mifflin, Co. ,
1952.

General PeriodiCals

"Emlyn Williams As Charles Dickens, " Catholic World, CLXXVII,
j(June, 1953), 228-229.

 

"Re-enter Mr. Dickens," Time, LXI, (May,4, 1953), 84.

"Tale of 36 Character; Emlyn Williams Performs As Charles Dickens, "
Saturday Review of Literature, XXXVI, (May 9, 195 3) ,
37-380

Unpublished Material

Boyle, Reverend John P. "A Syllabus in Oral Interpretation of Literature, "
Unpublished Master's thesis, Saint Louis University, 1957.

Calvin, Claude R. "A Study of the Problems in Interpretation of the
Author's Intent in Preparing the Lecture Recital for
Public Presentation." Unpublished Master's thesis, Kent
State University, 1951.

Pearson, Thomas Alton. "An Analysis of The Adventures of Huckleberfl
Finn for Oral Interpretation. " Unpublished Master's
thesis , Baylor University, 1955.

14:7
VITA

The obscure Cumberland Plateau town of Sunbright,
Tennessee was the birthplace of James Franklin Bradley, Jr. on
June 22, 1930. His early childhood and adolescent years were spent
in the industrial city of Saginaw, Michigan where his father was em—
ployed .at‘ General Motors . While attending Saginaw High School
from 1945 to 1948, he competed in football and track and participated
in all speech and dramatics activities . After graduation from Michigan
State University in 1952 with a Bachelor of Arts degree, he taught
speech and English at Fenton High School, Fenton, Michigan for one
year. Marriage to Lois E. Newell on August 15 , 1953, initiated a
trip to California where Mr. Bradley taught junior high social studies
and English for two years in the desert crossroads town of Barstow.
Returning to Michigan, he began teaching English and speech at
T. L. Handy High School, Bay City, Michigan, where hezis currently
employed. His work on a Master's degree was begun during the sum—
mer of 1955 and has continued each summer to the present session

when the M.A. was granted during August, 1960.

ROOM 1185. OiiLY

 

 

 

III(IIll/llWWI/11111111!!!)Will/ll[Ill/1111111

3 12 03196 3 68