Mrs. Steerforth and Her Son

David Copperfield

The bond between James and his mother combines intense affection, pride, and indulgence, culminating in a separation neither can repair.

increasing

Bearing strength in each event

decreasing

A Devoted Mother A Devoted Mother from "David Copperfield". A Devoted Mother Love centred on James Mrs. Steerforth treasures her son’s letters, portraits, and childhood belongings.

A Devoted Mother from "David Copperfield". A Devoted Mother Love centred on James Mrs. Steerforth treasures her son’s letters, portraits, and childhood belongings.

A Devoted Mother Love centred on James Mrs. Steerforth treasures her son’s letters, portraits, and childhood belongings. She believes he is exceptional and treats his wishes with unusual deference. Her devotion is genuine, but it leaves little room for correction. David sees how thoroughly she identifies her own life with James’s success.

A Son without Correction A Son without Correction from "David Copperfield". A Son without Correction Admiration replaces guidance Mrs. Steerforth recounts that James’s pride was encouraged by making him master of Salem House.

A Son without Correction from "David Copperfield". A Son without Correction Admiration replaces guidance Mrs. Steerforth recounts that James’s pride was encouraged by making him master of Salem House.

A Son without Correction Admiration replaces guidance Mrs. Steerforth recounts that James’s pride was encouraged by making him master of Salem House. She believes that this treatment suited his nature and drew out his best qualities. Her account reveals how love can shelter destructive habits. Steerforth has learned to expect deference more consistently than honest challenge.

The Elopement Revealed The Elopement Revealed from "David Copperfield". The Elopement Revealed Love faces a moral test Daniel Peggotty asks Mrs. Steerforth whether her son will return Emily as a lady.

The Elopement Revealed from "David Copperfield". The Elopement Revealed Love faces a moral test Daniel Peggotty asks Mrs. Steerforth whether her son will return Emily as a lady.

The Elopement Revealed Love faces a moral test Daniel Peggotty asks Mrs. Steerforth whether her son will return Emily as a lady. She refuses, arguing that the marriage would ruin James’s prospects. Her love remains bound to pride and social standing. She will not accept the cost of repairing what her son has done.

A Breach Made Permanent A Breach Made Permanent from "David Copperfield". A Breach Made Permanent Ultimatum and defiance Mrs. Steerforth demands that James abandon Emily if he wants to return to her.

A Breach Made Permanent from "David Copperfield". A Breach Made Permanent Ultimatum and defiance Mrs. Steerforth demands that James abandon Emily if he wants to return to her.

A Breach Made Permanent Ultimatum and defiance Mrs. Steerforth demands that James abandon Emily if he wants to return to her. James’s pride and independence prevent him from accepting the ultimatum. The mother and son are deeply alike in will and pride. Their separation grows out of the very qualities that once made their bond intense.

Grief Without Reconciliation Grief Without Reconciliation from "David Copperfield". Grief Without Reconciliation Love survives the final breach Mrs.

Grief Without Reconciliation from "David Copperfield". Grief Without Reconciliation Love survives the final breach Mrs.

Grief Without Reconciliation Love survives the final breach Mrs. Steerforth becomes fixed in grief after her son’s death, living among the rooms and memories associated with him. She remains proud even in sorrow. David sees the likeness between her and James but cannot restore their relationship. Death makes the unresolved conflict permanent.

When David visits Highgate

During Steerforth’s young adulthood

After Daniel Peggotty visits Mrs. Steerforth

After Mrs. Steerforth rejects Daniel’s appeal

After the Great Storm at Yarmouth