Summary Chapter 9




With the exception of one event, David’s return and stay at Salem House proves to be uneventful. The one event occurs on his birthday as David is summoned to the parlor. David thinks it’s a victuals-filled hamper from Peggotty only to behold Mr. Creakle sitting at table and having breakfast and Mrs. Creakle holding an open letter. Mrs. Creakle asks David to take a seat on the sofa. By and by, she tells David of devastating news: David’s mother has died. Mrs. Creakle kindly consoles David who weeps all day.

The next night, David sets off for home to attend the funeral. At Yarmouth, David expects to meet Mr. Barkis, but a little old man in black, a Mr. Omer, informs David that it is he—Mr. Omer—who will take David home. Presently, Mr. Omer takes David to a shop called OMER, DRAPER, TAILOR, HABERDASHER, FUNERAL FURNISHER &c. There Mr. Omer exchanges pleasantries with Minnie, one of his three daughters, who is busy sewing and mending funeral outfits, before having David measured for his funeral outfit. Mr. Omer tries to engage David in conversation to no avail. A meal is provided for David to no avail. (David doesn’t have an appetite.) When Mr. Omer informs David that it was he who had provided for David’s father’s funeral, David asks whether his baby brother is alive. Mr. Omer replies that the baby is dead, plunging David into a fit of renewed weeping.

Presently, a young man by the name of Joram arrives with a hammer in his hand and nails in his mouth. He informs Mr. Omer that the job is done, and David deducts that by job Joram meant David’s mother’s coffin. David notices that Joram and Minnie are on the best of terms and infers that they are lovers. They are indeed lovers, and their joy is an awkward counterpoint, as they, Mr. Joram, and David board a chaise destined for Blunderstone. David doesn’t begrudge them their joy, however

When they arrive at Blunderstone, David and Peggotty exchange a heartfelt hug. As for the Murdstones, David finds that he is in a state disconsolate distraction while she is as devoted to her sense of being logical, firm, and poised at all times.

By and by, the day of the funeral arrives. Attendants include Mr. Chilip and Mrs. Grayper. Mr. Chilip informs David that he and Mrs. Grayper had attended his father’s funeral as well.

After the funeral, Peggotty explains to David that his mother had been ill for some time. Peggotty had hoped that the birth of the baby would revive David’s mother, but other than the day of David’s visit, David’s mother had languished every day though she pretended to be well. Having a presentiment of her death, David’s mother had asked that if the baby died as well to have him lain in her arms in her deathbed. (The baby had survived his mother’s death by a day.)



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