David Copperfield

Classes begin the next day with Mr. Creakle barging into the classroom and threatening to beat any students who don't apply themselves in the new term. He then walks over to David and hits him a few times with his cane, which Creakle calls a "tooth." Creakle does the same to other boys in the room, and David remarks that the headmaster "had a delight in cutting at the boys." Even now, David says, he still cannot forget or forgive how frightened the boys were of Creakle, and he describes several instances in which he waited watchfully for Creakle to explode at him or someone else. Traddles in particular, as the "merriest and most miserable of all the boys," experiences frequent beatings, and once even takes the blame for an offense committed by Steerforth (laughing in church).

Meanwhile, Steerforth continues to act as a protector for David, though he does not intervene on his behalf with Creakle. David, however, remains in awe of him, and Steerforth seems to feel some fondness in return. Steerforth is especially excited when David happens to mention the novels he has read, and asks him to recount what he remembers of the stories to Steerforth every night. Despite the downsides of the arrangement—David is often tired the next day—he appreciates the admiration it inspires in the other boys, and relishes the opportunity to indulge his "romantic and dreamy" side amidst the drudgery of life at school.

The students at Salem generally learn little because of their fear of Mr. Creakle. David, however, does manage to pick up "some crumbs of knowledge" from Mr. Mell, and is therefore disturbed by the fact that Steerforth consistently treats Mell with disdain. He also regrets telling Steerforth about the visit he and Mell paid to Mell's mother. This unfortunately comes back to haunt David one day when Mell scolds the classroom—and then Steerforth in particular—for being unusually rowdy. Steerforth refuses to listen to Mell, instead throwing the teacher's demand that he sit down and be quiet back at Mell. The argument escalates, and Steerforth eventually says he knows—from David—that Mell is a "beggar."

Suddenly, Mr. Creakle enters, and scolds Mr. Mell for "forgetting himself" so far as to chastise Steerforth and to accuse Creakle himself of favoritism. He also mildly scolds Steerforth for insulting Mell, but Steerforth defends his words, and reveals that Mell's mother lives in an almshouse. Mell confirms that this is true, and Creakle fires him on the spot. As he leaves, however, Mell says he hopes Steerforth will one day be "ashamed" of his actions, and that he "would prefer to see [Steerforth as] anything rather than a friend […] to anyone in whom [Mell] feel[s] an interest." Creakle then thanks Steerforth, and most of the students cheer for him.

Mr. Mell's dismissal causes a rift between Steerforth and Traddles, who had cried when he left (and been beaten for it). Traddles accuses Steerforth not only of getting Mell fired but also of hurting the man's feelings, but Steerforth rejects the idea that Mell has feelings in the same way that they do. He also says he will ensure that his family provides Mell with some money. David is pleased with the "nobility" of this speech but also feels uncomfortable with Mell's departure. This feeling fades, however, the more time David spends with Steerforth.

Sometime later that term, Tungay announces that David has visitors. These turn out to be Mr. Peggotty and Ham, and the three share a joyful reunion, with David crying at the sight of his "old friends," and Ham remarking on how much David has grown. Mr. Peggotty confirms that Peggotty, little Em'ly, and Mrs. Gummidge are all well, and David asks whether Emily has changed much. Mr. Peggotty says that Emily is "getting to be a woman," and comments proudly on the progress she has made with her education.

At this point, Steerforth accidentally stumbles into the room, and David takes the opportunity to introduce him to Mr. Peggotty and Ham. Steerforth is effortlessly charming with them, and David pauses in his narrative to comment on the charisma that made people want to "yield" to him. Back in the main storyline, David speaks glowingly of Steerforth's kindness to Mr. Peggotty, and says that the next time he visits Yarmouth, he will bring Steerforth with him. The group discusses Mr. Peggotty's house, Steerforth saying a boat is "the right sort of house for such a thorough-built boatman."

After Ham and Mr. Peggotty leave, David considers telling Steerforth about little Em'ly, but is afraid Steerforth will mock him for his infatuation. He is also "uneasy" about the idea of Emily becoming a woman. That evening, the boys feast on the lobsters, crabs, and shrimp Mr. Peggotty brought David.

The rest of the term passes without incident, leaving David only with a "jumble" of impressions of daily life. As the end of the term approaches, David begins to look forward to going home (though he fears he may not be allowed back). In the end, however, David winds up on a coach returning home by way of Yarmouth.