Summary Chapter 17




Through his regular correspondences with Peggotty, to his dismay, David learns that Mr. and Mrs. Murdstone had sold the furniture in his old home and had moved out, leaving the home in a state of neglect. Otherwise, all is well. David has repaid Peggotty the half guinea that he had borrowed, and his friends in Yarmouth are all doing well. All of this David imparts to his great-aunt who pays David frequent visits at Mr. Wickfield’s. The visits taper off when Miss Betsey is assured that David will do fine on his own. As to Mr. Dick, he regularly pays David a visit every other Wednesday. Invariably, Mr. Dick arrives carrying his writing implements and his unfinished Memorial.

Thanks to Miss Betsey, all of Mr. Dick’s expenses are paid for when he visits David. Alluding to this one day, Mr. Dick confides in David, saying how much implicit trust he puts in Miss Betsey. But then Mr. Dick whispers a secret: Back at home, Miss Betsey is in the habit of doling out charity to a vagabond stranger. For some time, Mr. Dick harps on this. But David is convinced that this is a delusion on Mr. Dick’s part. Eventually, Mr. Dick ceases to allude to it in his visits.

Meanwhile, Mr. Dick’s proves himself to be a favorite among David’s schoolmates. He is especially valued for his ability to turn humdrum everyday objects into delightful little inventions. He becomes a staple presence when the boys engage in play whether that is playing cricket in summer or riding a slide on a snow covered hill during winter. By and by, Mr. Dick makes Doctor Strong’s acquaintance, and it becomes a common sight to see them strolling about with Mr. Dick listening with rapt attention as Doctor Strong speaks of his dictionary.

One Thursday, David accepts Uriah’s offer to visit the Heeps’ humble home for tea. As they make their way to Uriah’s home, David asks Uriah about his law studies. Upon being told that his lack of learning is making it very difficult for him to get a handle on the material, David offers to teach Uriah Latin. Uriah objects, arguing that some one of his humble status wouldn’t dare to aspire to greatness. David dismisses the sentiment as nonsense.

When they arrive at the Heeps’ home, David notices that Mrs. Heep is an exact replica of his son in terms of features, only shorter. Presently, as tea is served and the eatables are produced, Uriah and his mother question David about his past and vice versa. David tries to avoid speaking of Mr. Murdstone and of his time at Murdstone & Grinby to no avail. Uriah and Mrs. Heep prove to be so skillful in posing their questions, by turns, that David ends up telling them all they want to know.

Suddenly, a man walking down the street looks in through the open door of the Heeps’ residence and greets David. (It is a warm summer day which accounts for the open door.) It is Mr. Micawber. By and by, introductions are made and Mr. Micawber is welcomed in. It isn’t long before Mr. Micawber speaks liberally of his shared past with David, discomfiting David. David manages to have himself and Mr. Micawber excused, and presently Mr. Micawber takes David to see Mrs. Micawber.

Needless to say, Mrs. Micawber is delighted to see David. She tells David why they aren’t in Plymouth. Her relatives on whom she had counted on to have Mr. Micawber employed in the Custom House had received the Micawbers with something less than gladness. Subsequently, on the recommendation of her relatives, they had come to Canterbury to look in the coal trade. Alas, they had realized the coal trade would require a capital which Mr. Micawber does not have. Consequently, they are waiting for a money transfer from London to settle their current expenses the settlement of which is necessary for them to see their children who are currently lodged in Pentonville.

Sometime after this meeting, David partakes of a farewell dinner with the Micawbers. Alas, early next morning, David receives a letter written by Mr. Micawber stating that the money transfer had never arrived and that he and Mrs. Micawber must return to Pentonville where they will await their inevitable fate. Alarmed, David goes to console Mr. Micawber when he sees Mr. and Mrs. Micawber in a passing carriage. David is saddened.



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