Storytime for Grownups

Host: Faith Moore
Episode: David Copperfield: Chapter 21
Date: March 19, 2026

Episode Overview

In this episode, Faith Moore continues her warm, insightful journey through David Copperfield by Charles Dickens, reading and analyzing Chapter 21, "Little Em'ly." She blends a cozy readaloud with in-depth commentary on character, theme, and Victorian social nuance, highlighting pivotal moments and offering context for modern listeners. This episode particularly focuses on the evolving relationships between David, Steerforth, the Peggotty family, and Little Em'ly, deepening the exploration of class consciousness, innocence, and the complexities of friendship.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Recap and Listener Comments (05:37–15:00)

• Faith begins by summarizing Chapter 20 and reading out listener emails, focusing on the reactions to Steerforth's character and his interactions with David and Ms. Dardle.
  • Steerforth's Nickname for David: Many listeners found "Daisy" infantilizing, a reflection of Steerforth's condescension and David's innocence.
  • Class and Prejudice: Both Steerforth and Ms. Dardle make disparaging remarks about the Peggotty family, highlighting issues of elitism and classism.

Notable Quotes:

• "I think his giving David a nickname such as Daisy is an insult that David is too naive to realize."
  • Anne Brownlee, Listener (07:09)
• "She talked about lower class people, the Peggotty family, as though they were zoo animals."
  • Joyce Sekiya, Listener (08:40)

2. Character Analysis: Steerforth and David’s Dynamic (10:00–20:00)

• Faith examines the power imbalance in David and Steerforth's relationship, underscored by the use of nicknames and Steerforth's manipulative charm.
  • Steerforth enjoys being idolized; David is too trusting and eager to please.
  • Discussion about the significance of the many names David is given throughout the novel and what this says about the givers and about David’s identity.

Notable Quotes:

• "The fact that Steerforth gives David the nickname Daisy tells us both that David seems very young and innocent still, even though he's starting out on his adult life. But it also tells us that Steerforth is a much more jaded, more sardonic, more cynical sort of person..."
  — Faith Moore (12:45)

3. Exploring Class Attitudes and Ms. Dardle's Tactics (19:00–28:00)

• Steerforth and Ms. Dardle have a conversation laden with elitism, objectifying "that sort of people" (the Peggotty family).
• Faith analyzes Ms. Dardle’s manipulative conversational style—posing as ignorant to provoke others into exposing prejudices and revealing themselves.

Notable Quotes:

• "'Why, there's a pretty wide separation between them and us... they have not very fine natures and they may be thankful... they are not easily wounded.'"
  — Steerforth, quoted by Faith (22:25)
• "Are they really animals and clods and beings of another order? I want to know so much..."
  — Ms. Dardle, quoted by Faith (24:15)

4. David’s Naivete and Reader Sympathy (28:00–30:30)

• David’s refusal to doubt Steerforth’s intentions, even when confronted with hostile or bigoted statements, demonstrates his innocence—prompting listener protectiveness and a desire for David to stand up for himself.
• Faith draws attention to the duality in Steerforth: kind and generous on one hand, arrogant and manipulative on the other.

Notable Quotes:

• "But of course, we feel kind of repulsed by all of this. We know that David has a tendency to be taken advantage of. He has a tendency to be too trusting..."
  — Faith Moore (29:08)

5. Steerforth’s Contradictions and Ms. Dardle’s Insight (30:30–32:00)

• Steerforth is not purely villainous or charming; his complexity is part of what keeps David—and the reader—under his spell.
• Ms. Dardle cleverly summarizes their relationship:
  "He thinks you young and innocent and so you are his friend."
  — Ms. Dardle, quoted by Faith (31:30)

6. Transition to the Chapter Reading

Faith invites listeners to send in their thoughts before launching into the reading of Chapter 21.

Chapter 21: "Little Em’ly" – Key Moments and Context

7. Introduction of Littimer (34:45–39:30)

• Littimer, Steerforth’s dignified and imperturbable servant, intimidates David merely through his presence.
• His profound “respectability” marks Victorian social hierarchies and David’s subconscious sense of inferiority.

Quote:

• "Such a self contained man I never saw. But in that quality, as in every other he possessed, he only seemed to be the more respectable."
  — David, read by Faith (36:10)

8. David and Steerforth Visit Yarmouth (39:30–49:00)

• David, thrilled to return to familiar places, arranges to surprise the Peggottys with Steerforth.
• The pair’s camaraderie is juxtaposed with Steerforth’s lingering condescension:
  "Let us see the natives in their aboriginal condition, though they are that sort of people that you mentioned."
  — Steerforth, read by Faith (43:10)

9. Reunion with Peggotty and Mr. Barkis (52:30–01:00:00)

• Heartfelt homecoming, filled with emotion and reminiscence.
• Barkis’s ongoing thrift and slyness about his hidden money draw gentle humor.

Memorable Moment:

• Peggotty and David’s tearful embrace after so many years apart (53:00).
• Barkis’s ritual with the secret money box: "Nothing's truer than them, repeated Mr. Barkis. A man as poor as I am finds that out in his mind when he's laid up."
  — Mr. Barkis, read by Faith (59:20)

10. The Peggotty Household – Plans for Little Em’ly (01:01:00–01:20:00)

• Faith reads the touching scene at Mr. Peggotty’s, sharing the joyful news of Ham and Little Em’ly’s engagement.
• Mr. Peggotty’s love for Emily is foregrounded: "She ain't my child, I never ad one. But I couldn't love her more. You understand? I couldn't do it."
  — Mr. Peggotty, read by Faith (01:13:40)
• Ham’s bashful declaration of love and commitment: "I'd laid down my life for her, Master Davy. O most content and cheerful. She's more to me, gentlemen, then she's all to me that ever I can want and more than ever I... I love her."
  — Ham, read by Faith (01:16:50)

11. Steerforth's Social Magnetism (01:21:00–01:28:00)

• Steerforth proves popular with the whole Peggotty household, charming even the troubled Mrs. Gummidge and Little Em’ly.
• Emily is charmed by Steerforth’s stories; the warmth of the gathering is heightened by his presence, even as his own remarks to David imply a detachment.

12. A Contrast in Perspective – Steerforth's Comments After the Visit (01:29:00–01:31:00)

• As they leave, Steerforth shows emotional distance: "That's rather a chuckle headed fellow for the girl, isn't he?"
  — Steerforth, quoted by Faith (01:30:10)
• David challenges Steerforth, reading deeper into his emotions; Steerforth responds ambiguously: "Daisy, I believe you are in earnest and are good. I wish we all were."
  — Steerforth, read by Faith (01:30:50)

Memorable Quotes & Moments (with Timestamps)

• On names and identity in David’s life:
  "Actually, the only person who has called him David so far is Mr. Murdstone. So... that would be, I think, an excellent essay topic."
  — Faith Moore (13:50)
• Ms. Dardle’s satirical response to Steerforth’s classism:
  "Are they really animals and clods and beings of another order? I want to know so much, okay?"
  — Ms. Dardle, as quoted by Faith (24:15)
• David’s wishful thinking about Steerforth’s sincerity:
  "I believed that Steerforth had said what he had in jest or to draw Ms. Dardle out. And I expected him to say as much when she was gone..."
  — David, read by Faith (28:47)
• Mr. Peggotty on Little Em’ly:
  "But no one, unless mayhap it is a woman, can know, I think, what our little Em' ly is to me..."
  — Mr. Peggotty, read by Faith (01:13:55)
• Steerforth’s ambiguous post-visit comment:
  "That's rather a chuckle headed fellow for the girl, isn't he?"
  — Steerforth (01:30:10)
• David’s heartfelt admiration of Steerforth:
  "There is not a joy or sorrow, not an emotion of such people that can be indifferent to you. And I admire and love you for it, Steerforth, 20 times more."
  — David, read by Faith (01:30:32)
• Steerforth’s acknowledgment of David’s goodness:
  "Daisy, I believe you are in earnest and are good. I wish we all were."
  — Steerforth (01:30:50)

Listener Engagement

• Faith encourages listeners to continue sending in questions and commentary for future episodes via her website (faithkmoore.com).
• She highlights upcoming "Tea Time" (a community discussion event) and opportunities to join the online community, The Drawing Room.

Final Thoughts

Faith masterfully blends literary analysis, gentle humor, and empathy in her reading and discussion of Chapter 21. The episode delves deeply into themes of class, friendship, innocence, and the perils of idolizing flawed companions. Through a close reading and warm commentary, listeners gain a richer appreciation of Dickens's nuanced characters—and the joys and dangers awaiting David Copperfield in the next chapter.

Storytime for Grownups continues next episode with Chapter 22.