Why did David feel safer and happier with Peggotty than with his own family at home?
Answer: Peggotty treated David with love and kindness, while the Murdstones were strict and cruel. David felt comfortable and protected around Peggotty.
Do you think Mr Murdstone was trying to discipline David or simply control him? Why?
Answer: Mr Murdstone mostly wanted control. His punishments were too harsh, and he created fear instead of helping David learn or improve.
Why was Yarmouth an important place in David’s childhood memories?
Answer: Yarmouth gave David happiness, friendship, and freedom. He enjoyed spending time with Peggotty’s family and Little Emily there.
Why did David admire Steerforth even though Steerforth sometimes behaved badly?
Answer: Steerforth was confident, intelligent, and popular. David was young and impressed by his strong personality and kindness toward him at school.
What does Salem House show us about education in the Victorian period?
Answer: It shows that schools were very strict and often used fear and punishment instead of encouragement.
Why was David’s work in the warehouse an important turning point in his life?
Answer: It forced David to become more independent and mature because he experienced poverty, loneliness, and hard work at a young age.
Why did David continue to respect Mr Micawber despite his financial problems?
Answer: Mr Micawber was optimistic, friendly, and supportive toward David even during difficult times.
What qualities made Miss Betsey different from the Murdstones?
Answer: Miss Betsey was fair, caring, and protective. Unlike the Murdstones, she wanted David to have a better future.
Why did David trust Agnes so deeply?
Answer: Agnes was honest, calm, intelligent, and always supportive. David believed she truly cared about him.
Why did Uriah Heep pretend to be “humble”?
Answer: He used false humility to manipulate people and gain power over them without making them suspicious.
Why was Ham a more suitable partner for Emily than Steerforth?
Answer: Ham truly loved Emily and wanted an honest, stable life with her, while Steerforth was careless and irresponsible.
Why did Agnes dislike Steerforth from the beginning?
Answer: Agnes understood Steerforth’s selfish personality and believed he could negatively influence David and others.
Why did David fall in love with Dora so quickly?
Answer: David was attracted to Dora’s beauty, charm, and cheerful personality. He was emotional and romantic at that age.
Do you think David and Dora were mature enough for marriage? Why or why not?
Answer: They were not fully mature because both were inexperienced and emotional. They loved each other but did not fully understand responsibility.
Why was Emily’s decision to run away considered such a serious scandal?
Answer: In Victorian society, a woman’s reputation was extremely important, and leaving with a man before marriage brought shame to her and her family.
Why did Aunt Betsey’s financial problems shock David so much?
Answer: David depended on her support for his education and future, so losing the money created fear and uncertainty for him.
How did Traddles prove himself to be a true friend?
Answer: Traddles supported David during difficult times and gave him practical advice and encouragement.
Why was Mr Wickfield unable to stop Uriah Heep’s control?
Answer: Mr Wickfield was emotionally weak and struggled with personal problems, which Uriah used against him.
What does Uriah Heep’s character teach readers about ambition and dishonesty?
Answer: It shows that ambition without honesty can harm other people and destroy trust and relationships.
By Chapter 12, how has David changed compared to the beginning of the story?
Answer: David has become more independent, experienced, thoughtful, and responsible because of the difficulties and relationships in his life.