The Peggotty Family’s Bonds and Separation

David Copperfield

This thread follows a chosen family whose generous home is shattered by Emily’s flight, then preserved through forgiveness, loyalty, and migration.

increasing

Bearing strength in each event

decreasing

A Home Open to Orphans A Home Open to Orphans from "David Copperfield". A Home Open to Orphans Kinship through generosity Daniel Peggotty has taken in Ham and Emily after their parents die, and shares his home with the widowed Mrs.

A Home Open to Orphans from "David Copperfield". A Home Open to Orphans Kinship through generosity Daniel Peggotty has taken in Ham and Emily after their parents die, and shares his home with the widowed Mrs.

A Home Open to Orphans Kinship through generosity Daniel Peggotty has taken in Ham and Emily after their parents die, and shares his home with the widowed Mrs. Gummidge. The household welcomes David without ceremony. Its modest life offers a contrast to class-bound respectability. Their attachments are made through care, not inheritance or status.

Peggotty and Barkis Peggotty and Barkis from "David Copperfield". Peggotty and Barkis A modest courtship Barkis uses David to convey his willingness to marry Peggotty, and later makes his proposal through small, awkward acts…

Peggotty and Barkis from "David Copperfield". Peggotty and Barkis A modest courtship Barkis uses David to convey his willingness to marry Peggotty, and later makes his proposal through small, awkward acts…

Peggotty and Barkis A modest courtship Barkis uses David to convey his willingness to marry Peggotty, and later makes his proposal through small, awkward acts of attention. Peggotty eventually accepts him. Their marriage gives her a home of her own without loosening her devotion to David. The practical union is marked by humour and enduring affection.

A Family Rejoices for Emily A Family Rejoices for Emily from "David Copperfield". A Family Rejoices for Emily Shared hope Daniel Peggotty celebrates Emily’s engagement to Ham as the fulfilment of years of care. Mrs.

A Family Rejoices for Emily from "David Copperfield". A Family Rejoices for Emily Shared hope Daniel Peggotty celebrates Emily’s engagement to Ham as the fulfilment of years of care. Mrs.

A Family Rejoices for Emily Shared hope Daniel Peggotty celebrates Emily’s engagement to Ham as the fulfilment of years of care. Mrs. Gummidge, ordinarily sorrowful, joins the household’s joy. The family’s happiness is made vivid because it rests on everyday affection. Its warmth gives the coming betrayal greater force.

The Family Is Broken The Family Is Broken from "David Copperfield". The Family Is Broken Grief without rejection Emily’s flight leaves Daniel devastated and Ham heartbroken.

The Family Is Broken from "David Copperfield". The Family Is Broken Grief without rejection Emily’s flight leaves Daniel devastated and Ham heartbroken.

The Family Is Broken Grief without rejection Emily’s flight leaves Daniel devastated and Ham heartbroken. Daniel nevertheless resolves to search for her and bring her home without condemning her. Mrs. Gummidge changes from a self-absorbed mourner into a practical support. The family’s love survives even when its shared home is empty.

A Family Reassembled Abroad A Family Reassembled Abroad from "David Copperfield". A Family Reassembled Abroad Loyalty travels with them Daniel prepares to emigrate with Emily, Martha, and Mrs. Gummidge.

A Family Reassembled Abroad Loyalty travels with them Daniel prepares to emigrate with Emily, Martha, and Mrs. Gummidge. Ham stays in England, while continuing to give what he can toward Emily’s safety. Their parting does not erase their bonds. The family creates a new household abroad while preserving the old home as a place of memory.

During David’s childhood visit to Yarmouth

During David’s childhood visits

On the evening Ham and Emily become engaged

After Emily’s elopement

Before the emigrant ship sails