1st Prep – Novel – “David Copperfield” Model Answers Questions and Answers: Chapter 11:

1- Discuss David and Mr. Peggotty’s visit to Mrs. Steerforth concerning what happened to Emily. Mention why David felt responsible for what happened to Emily.

Mr. Peggotty visited Mrs. Steerforth who had already heard of the news. She knew that Emily had eloped with her son who promised to marry her. She was very rude about Emily, saying that the girl was uneducated and ignorant and that there was no way in which he son would ever marry her. She offered Mr. Peggotty some money for his loss of his niece which he refused angrily. David felt ashamed of himself and responsible for what happened to Emily because he was the one who had introduced Steerforth to Peggotty’s family and Emily. Chapter 12:

1- “Throw the letters into the fire and we’ll forget all about this.” - Comment

Mr. Spenlow said these words to David at his house. Mr Spenlow was very angry when Miss Murdstone had told him about the love affairs between Dora and David. So, he asked David to throw the letters into the fireplace and forget all about Dora. Mr Spenlow refused David’s proposal to Dora because David became poor at that time and his aunt had lost all her money and he wouldn’t be able to create a happy life for Dora.

2- Uriah Heep is a villain and he was able to ruin Mr. Wickfield’s life. – Discuss.

Uriah Heep is a villain who was able to ruin Mr. Wickfield’s life as he made Mr. Wickfield became addicted to wine. He changed Mr. Wickfield’s behavior that was clear in all the events. He controlled Mr. Wickfield’s work after being his partner at work. Then, Uriah moved with his mother to live with Mr. Wickfield at his house and had more influence over him than before. Uriah asked Mr. Micawber to be his assistant to help him at work. Chapter 13:

1- Was Dora a successful wife? – Explain

When David and Dora got married, they knew nothing about housekeeping and even less about cooking. In desperation, David asked his aunt to teach Dora how to cook but she refused saying that she didn’t want to get involved in his problems. Dora continued to serve raw meat and mess up the household accounts. She was a spoilt lady who became a failure wife. She was irresponsible and unwise.

2- “My dream has come true. I thank God for giving me back my child.” – comment

Mr. Peggotty said these words to David at Martha’s house when, Rosa Dartle knew that Emily had reached Martha’s house and she went there to see the girl who ran away with James Steerforth. Emily was frustrated by Miss Dartle’s attitude. While David was there before being able to do anything to solve the situation Mr. Peggotty arrived to Martha’s house. He was relieved when he had seen Emily telling David that his dream had come true and he thanked God for giving him back his child. When Emily had fainted, Mr. Peggotty carried her home.

Chapter 14:

1- What happened to Aunt Betsey’s money and how did David help her?

David had found Miss Betsey at his door one day, she came to tell him that she had lost all her property and money. She was financially ruined due to some bad investments made by Mr. Wickfield as she thought. The truth was that Uriah had stolen all her money. David decided to help her solving her problem. So, he went to Mr. Spenlow asking him to return the thousand pounds given to him for his training. But, Mr. Spenlow refused saying that it was impossible as Mr. Jorkins would refuse. Also, David went to work part- time as a secretary to Dr. Strong. As a conclusion, David started working from 9:00 in the morning till 10:00 at night to help his aunt.

2- What was Mr. Micawber’s role in helping Miss Betsey to return her property back?

Mr. Micawber and David confronted Uriah Heep about his dishonest dealings. David’s friend Traddles held Mr. Wickfield’s power of attorney and was able to act for him in all matters. Uriah Heep had cheated Miss Trotwood out of all her property and her money. With the testimony of Mr. Micawber, Uriah Heep should have been sent to prison, but he and his mother escaped and no one knew to where.

3- Why did David go to Yarmouth? What was his trip like? How did Ham and Steerforth die?

After Dora’s death, David decided to travel. He first went to Yarmouth to visit Ham. A storm was raging and a ship was wrecked in the harbor. Ham tied a rope around his waist and he went into the cruel sea to help the people. Ham’s body was dashed against the wreckage, then the shipwreck sank beneath the waves and Ham was being carried unconscious to the shore. Not just unconscious but dead. Steerforth was on the ship when it went down and he also died at sea.

Chapter 15:

Write brief note about the following:

1 – David Copperfield 2- James Steerforth 3- Uriah Heep

1) David Copperfield:

David Copperfield maintains a strong moral character throughout his life, in spite of his difficult upbringing. For that reason, he is considered the hero of the novel. He is honest and kind, although at times he looks down upon people of the lower classes. He can sometimes be naïve, and he doesn’t always make the best decisions. While a child at school, he is easily persuaded to sacrifice his own belongings for the enjoyment of his classmates. Later on, he is able to say ‘no’, and not give money to the Micawbers. He is somewhat idealistic, yet realistic enough to protect himself. He is a dedicated young man, and willing to work hard not only for himself, but in order to help others. 2) James Steerforth:

Steerforth is a student in Salem House School. He is a friend of David. He enjoys controlling other people. He thinks of his own interests of others. At school, he is cruel to his teacher; Mr. Mell, even though the man is kind, and is a friend to David’s. Steerforth’s self-centeredness is made clear later on when he takes Emily away from her family. Though Steerforth seems friendly and nice to people, he uses this to control them for his own selfish gain.

3) Uriah Heep: Uriah Heep pretends to be weak and humble. But this presentation of humility and weakness is a false show. In truth, he is dishonest. Uriah used his supposed humbleness to disguise the fact that he is plotting and working sneakily to take other people’s money, and to play upon Mr. Wickfield.