David Copperfield: Chapter 34 Summary & Analysis

David writes to Agnes to tell her of his engagement to Dora, and finds himself thinking of Agnes as one of the "elements of [his] natural home." He also tells her about little Em'ly's disappearance, though he avoids any mention of Steerforth, hoping she will simply guess the truth.

While David has been spending time with Dora, Traddles has stopped by his apartment a few times and stuck up a friendship with Peggotty, who is often there (much to the annoyance of Mrs. Crupp, who refuses to act as housekeeper while Peggotty remains). One day Traddles manages to catch David at home, assuring him that he entirely understands David's reasons for being gone so often. David questions how Traddles can stand to be away from his fiancée (who lives in Devonshire), and Traddles says he manages it "because there's no help for it." He also attributes his patience to his fiancée, Sophy, who is always preoccupied tutoring, tending to, and humoring her nine siblings and invalid mother.

David is still anxious about Traddles's financial situation, so he asks after Mr. Micawber. Traddles explains that the he is no longer living with the Micawbers, because the entire household was forced to vacate the premises after another debt was called in. Nevertheless, Traddles is not angry with the Micawbers, although he was sorry to see the furniture he'd been saving repossessed (including the flower pot and table). Fortunately, he has found the pieces at a local pawnshop, and asks whether Peggotty might be willing to buy them on his behalf, since the broker will run up the price if he knows Traddles wants them. David assures Traddles that Peggotty will help, but makes him promise not to lend anything to Micawber in the future. Traddles is happy to do this for Sophy's sake, but he still feels hopeful Micawber's plans will succeed in the end.

David and Traddles go find Peggotty and carry through with their plan to buy back the flower pot and table. Afterwards, Traddles returns home while Peggotty goes with David back to his apartment. When they arrive, however, they find the door open and hear voices inside. Entering, they find Miss Betsey and Mr. Dick surrounded by luggage. David greets them, reintroducing his aunt to Peggotty, whom she insists on calling "Barkis" (she has always considered Peggotty's name "pagan" sounding). Meanwhile, Mrs. Crupp—who is eager to please Miss Betsey—has made tea. Mrs. Crupp then leaves, and Miss Betsey tells Mr. Dick that the landlady is an example of the "time-servers" and "wealth-worshippers" she is always warning him about.

Miss Betsey asks David to pour the tea, but David senses that she is stalling, and begins to worry that she has found out about his engagement and is here to scold him. He waits for his aunt to speak, however, and she asks whether David has become "firm, and self-reliant." When he replies that he hopes he has, Miss Betsey confesses that she is "ruined," and that her luggage is now all that she owns other than the cottage (which she is renting out). She hopes Peggotty will help find Mr. Dick a place to stay, but she asks to stay with David for the night, and discuss the issue further in the morning.

David is stunned, but he manages to "rouse" himself when Miss Betsey embraces him and begins crying that she is sorry on his account. She recovers quickly, however, and assures him that they will deal with this setback "boldly."