Now David is seventeen and leaving school. He doesn't know what he would like to do with his life, so Trotwood suggests that he go visit Peggotty in Yarmouth for a month. On a final night with the Strongs, he notices that Mr. Wickfield does not care for Annie Strong, and prefers that Agnes keep a distance from her.
David is a bit full of himself, thinking himself all grown up, educated, and of some importance. He heads to London on the way to Yarmouth, he takes a place of honor on the carriage ride, only to be asked to switch places with a dog-and-horse breeder. In the inn where he is to stay the night, he is given a room over the stable, that smells of the stable, and given the dregs out of several bottles for his wine.
He goes out to the theatre. Julius Caesar is playing, which he thoroughly enjoys. Back at the inn, he runs into Steerforth, who doesn't recognize him at first, then decides to refer to him as "Daisy." When Steerforth inquires about what room he is staying in, he laughs that it is above the livery, and has the waiter give David a better, more agreeable (non-smelly) room. A difference between the two, Steerforth, someone warrants respect, people do his bidding, whereas they do not for David.
In the morning, Steerforth invites him to breakfast, wanting to know all about him, and says, "I should like to hear what you are doing, and where you are going, and all about you. I feel as if you were my property." Somehow this pleases David, and he tells of his quest and reasons...and so fate begins to turn.
Steerforth invites David to visit his mother in Highgate, and they set off.
More later.
No comments:
Post a Comment