Charles Dickens’s David Copperfield (1849) Ending Explained – Do David and Agnes eventually marry?

Charles Dickens’s David Copperfield is a semi-autobiographical novel telling the tale of a boy’s (David) journey from infancy to maturity. The text intricately details the ups and downs in David’s life, and how he steers through hardships.

The book touches upon the themes of life, loss, love, and perseverance in the face of adversity. Hence, a must-read. Turn on the reading lights, and get ready to explore the life and times of David Copperfield.


What was David Cooperfield’s childhood like?

David’s father passed away six months before his birth. As a child, he lives happily with his jolly mother, Clara, and faithful housekeeper, Miss Peggotty. Everything goes well until Clara marries Edward Murdstone, a violent man, without David’s knowledge.

David is sent to Yarmouth to live with Peggotty’s family. He lives with Miss Peggotty’s brother, Mr. Peggotty, and his adopted nephew and niece, Ham and Little Emily. David falls in love with Emily but soon returns to live with his mother.

At home, things have changed. Murdstone is harsh with both Clara and David. He often punishes David in the name of discipline. During one of his beatings, David bites his hand. Consequently, Mr. Murdstone sends him to a boarding school called Salem House in retribution.


What happens in Salem House?

Mr Murdstone has given instructions to Mr Creakle, the proprietor of Salem House, to be ruthless with David. David is often beaten and subjected to humiliation on numerous occasions. However, David’s experiences at Salem House get better after he befriends James Steerforth, an older boy, and Tommy Traddles.

David goes home for holidays to find out his mother has recently given birth to a baby boy. However, soon after he returns to school, he is informed both his mother and her newly born child have died.


What happens after David’s mother dies?

Mr Murdstone sends David to London to work at his wine-bottling company. Meanwhile, Peggotty marries Mr. Barkis.

After David’s jolly but financially careless landlord, Wilkins Micawber is imprisoned for debt, David goes to Dover to find his only living relative, Betsey Trotwood. She takes David in and sends him to a good school run by Doctor Strong.

David lives with Mr. Wickerfield and his daughter, Agnes who becomes his closest friend. Uriah Heep, Mr. Wickerfield’s clerk, is a clever man whose eyes are set on his wealth. On one occasion, he scornfully tells David that he plans to marry Agnes. Time passes on, and David graduates.


What happens after David Copperfield graduates?

Post-graduation, David pursues a career as a proctor on Trotwood’s advice. David works as an apprentice at the London firm that belongs to Spenlow and Jorkins. During a visit to Mr. Spenlow’s house, he meets his daughter, Dora. David is infatuated with her.

He gets a message from Yarmouth that Mr Barkis is terminally ill. He goes to visit the Peggotties. Ham and Emily are engaged to be married, but Emily plans to marry Steerforth who she met during one of David’s visits to Yarmouth. After Mr. Barkis dies, Emily elopes with Steerforth

David works hard to ensure he can provide for Dora. Mr. Spenlow, who has been against David’s association with Dora, dies in a car accident. After a little while, David and Dora tie the knot.


Does David Coperfield’s marriage with Dora last?

David and Dora are happily married even though Dora is incompetent in household affairs. He is informed that Steerforth has left Emily, and the latter has run away with his servant. With Emily’s friend Martha’s help, David and Mr Peggotty locate Emily involved in a prostitution trap.

Mr Peggotty and Emily decide to move to Australia. Meanwhile, Micawber exposes Uriah’s fraudulent activities saving the day for Mr. Wickerfield and Trotwood.

Ham dies in a storm while trying to save a sailor. The sailor turns out to be Steerforth. Dora also falls ill and passes away. Agnes helps David overcome sorrow and return to his normal life.

After some time, their love for each other becomes evident, and they marry. David’s writing career comes to fruition. He has several children with Agnes, one named after his great-aunt, Betsey Trotwood.


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