Steerforth’s Rise, Self-Deception, and Fall

David Copperfield

Steerforth’s charm and privilege conceal an unsettled character whose pursuit of excitement culminates in betrayal, estrangement, and death.

increasing

Bearing strength in each event

decreasing

A Favoured Schoolboy A Favoured Schoolboy from "David Copperfield". A Favoured Schoolboy Power without restraint Steerforth is admired by younger boys and protected from Mr. Creakle’s violence.

A Favoured Schoolboy from "David Copperfield". A Favoured Schoolboy Power without restraint Steerforth is admired by younger boys and protected from Mr. Creakle’s violence.

A Favoured Schoolboy Power without restraint Steerforth is admired by younger boys and protected from Mr. Creakle’s violence. His intelligence and appearance make authority yield to him. The school’s deference feeds his belief that other people exist to serve his wishes. David experiences this power as generosity before he can judge its cost.

A Life without a Vocation A Life without a Vocation from "David Copperfield". A Life without a Vocation Talent spent on novelty Steerforth admits that he has no desire to distinguish himself and finds himself heavy company.

A Life without a Vocation from "David Copperfield". A Life without a Vocation Talent spent on novelty Steerforth admits that he has no desire to distinguish himself and finds himself heavy company.

A Life without a Vocation Talent spent on novelty Steerforth admits that he has no desire to distinguish himself and finds himself heavy company. He moves from one pursuit to another, seeking excitement rather than durable purpose. His gifts remain obvious, but he has not learned to govern them. The restless pattern foreshadows the harm he will cause.

The Elopement The Elopement from "David Copperfield". The Elopement Desire over responsibility Steerforth seduces Emily, who had been engaged to Ham, and takes her away from her family.

The Elopement from "David Copperfield". The Elopement Desire over responsibility Steerforth seduces Emily, who had been engaged to Ham, and takes her away from her family.

The Elopement Desire over responsibility Steerforth seduces Emily, who had been engaged to Ham, and takes her away from her family. He treats her longing to become a lady as an opportunity for his own gratification. His action converts charm into exploitation and destroys a household’s trust. David later understands that admiration had blinded him to Steerforth’s selfishness.

A Mother’s Rejection A Mother’s Rejection from "David Copperfield". A Mother’s Rejection Pride meets defiance Mrs. Steerforth refuses to support Emily’s restoration and demands that her son renounce the young woman before…

A Mother’s Rejection from "David Copperfield". A Mother’s Rejection Pride meets defiance Mrs. Steerforth refuses to support Emily’s restoration and demands that her son renounce the young woman before…

A Mother’s Rejection Pride meets defiance Mrs. Steerforth refuses to support Emily’s restoration and demands that her son renounce the young woman before returning home. Her pride and Steerforth’s own will make reconciliation impossible. The conflict is not simply maternal anger: she recognizes her son’s deception but cannot accept the social cost of repairing it. He continues away from her.

Death in the Storm Death in the Storm from "David Copperfield". Death in the Storm Consequence arrives Steerforth’s ship is wrecked off Yarmouth.

Death in the Storm Consequence arrives Steerforth’s ship is wrecked off Yarmouth. Ham attempts to save the man in danger, unaware until too late that he is Steerforth. Steerforth’s death ends his restless life in the same sea that shaped the Peggottys’ history. David’s mourning preserves affection while refusing to excuse betrayal.

During David’s first half at Salem House

After Steerforth leaves Oxford

During David’s visit to Yarmouth as a young man

After Daniel Peggotty confronts Mrs. Steerforth

During the Great Storm at Yarmouth