Storytime for Grownups – David Copperfield: Chapter 6
Host: Faith Moore
Date: January 26, 2026
Episode Overview
In this episode, Faith Moore continues her engaging read-through of Charles Dickens' David Copperfield, focusing on Chapter 6: "I enlarge my circle of acquaintance." As always, the reading is interspersed with thoughtful notes and insights, making classic literature accessible and enjoyable. Before diving into the chapter, Faith responds to listener commentary about Episode 5 and addresses concerns about the book’s emotional journey.
Listener Feedback & Reflections on Chapter 5
Faith begins by revisiting Chapter 5 and sharing three listener comments:
- Exploitation of Innocence: Corinthia expresses anger at how adults, both then and now, exploit children. She appreciates Dickens’ honest depiction of societal failures, describing his work as “half a story, half a social commentary on the brokenness of society” (08:15).
- Barkis’s Proposal: Patty finds humor in David’s confusion about Mr. Barkis’s marriage intentions, especially the repeated message, “Barkis is willing” (09:00).
- The Cruelty of the Sign: PineLikeTheTree views the “Take care of him. He bites” sign David must wear as exceptionally cruel, highlighting the mind games inflicted on a lonely child (09:45).
Faith unpacks these reactions, noting Dickens’ talent for evoking both righteous anger and empathy by showing young Davy’s innocence and confusion in a world full of indifferent or malicious adults.
Notable Quote
“Dickens exposes the harsh realities of the world with such honesty. His work feels like half a story, half a social commentary on the brokenness of society.”
— Corinthia (08:15)
Reassurance for Concerned Listeners (12:30–16:00)
Faith directly addresses listeners worried the novel will be relentlessly grim, promising that David Copperfield is “not a total depressing slog” but rather “the story of David’s life”—with lows, but also many uplifting, funny, and beautiful moments. She stresses that great literature mirrors real life, including its hardships, to reveal universal truths.
Notable Quote
“A story that’s only ever, like, rainbows and flowers… isn’t going to feel real. The things that make classics classic is that they offer us some kind of universal truth about the actual real world.”
— Faith Moore (15:10)
She also highlights Dickens’ personal investment in children’s welfare, noting some events are drawn from Dickens’ life (with more details to come later to avoid spoilers).
Literary Analysis: Davy’s Forced Transition to Adulthood
Faith frames Chapter 5 as a turning point for Davy—the end of protected childhood and the start of a new, often lonely phase, echoing listeners’ observations that Davy is forced to act like an adult far too soon.
She traces Davy’s journey from innocent miscommunication (the Barkis message) to real victimization (the exploitative waiter) and abandonment (being left at the station), illustrating how Dickens masterfully lets readers piece together adult realities from Davy’s childlike perspective.
Memorable Moments & Quotes
- On the poignancy of Davy’s innocence:
“He narrates the whole thing through Davey’s eyes… Davey has no clue what’s going on. But [Dickens] gives us enough details so that we can piece together what’s happening from an adult perspective.”
— Faith Moore (18:40) - Davy’s confusion at adulthood:
“Supposing nobody should ever fetch me. How long would they consent to keep me there? Would they keep me long enough to spend seven shillings?... Supposing there was no mistake…and Mr. Murdstone had devised this plan to get rid of me. What should I do?”
— Faith reading David Copperfield (20:58)
She notes that while things seem bleak, there are glimmers of hope—Mr. Mel’s small kindnesses, and the possibility of sympathetic classmates.
Chapter 6: Arrival of the Boys and First Impressions (22:45–52:30)
Mr. Creakle’s Introduction – A Menacing Authority (22:45–27:09)
- Faith reads the scene where David is called before headmaster Mr. Creakle, emphasizing his fear and the humiliation of the placard (“Take care of him. He bites.”).
- Mr. Creakle is depicted as fiery and intimidating, made even more so by his odd, whispering voice and his habit of physically intimidating boys.
- Faith notes the emotional impact on the women present (Mrs. Creakle and her daughter), who are seen quietly crying.
Notable Quote:
“Now you have begun to know me too, my young friend, and you may go. Take him away.”
— Mr. Creakle (26:55)
The Boys Return: Friendship and Hazing (27:10–45:00)
- David meets Traddles, the first returning student, who helps Davy navigate the awkwardness of the placard by immediately introducing him to others.
- The boys are mostly subdued after vacation, and although some tease David (patting him, calling him “Towser”), he’s somewhat comforted by their relative gentleness.
- The arrival of Steerforth marks a shift—he’s charismatic, older, and immediately assumes a protective, almost princely role over Davy. He persuades Davy to hand over his money for group treats, leading to a moonlit bedroom feast.
Notable Quotes:
“Look here. Here’s a game!”
— Traddles introducing Davy (29:55)
“Good night, young Copperfield. I'll take care of you.”
— Steerforth (44:26)
School Culture and Power Dynamics (45:00–48:55)
- Through whispered conversations, David learns the politics of the school: Mr. Creakle’s severe reputation, Mr. Sharp’s lowly status, rumors about teachers’ private lives, and Steerforth’s untouchable status.
- Davy is dazzled by Steerforth’s easy confidence and already feels bound to him, especially after Steerforth jokingly laments that Davy has no sister.
Notable Quotes:
“He was a person of great power in my eyes… That was, of course, the reason of my mind running on him.”
— David Copperfield (47:55)
Faith's Guidance and Community Invitation
Throughout, Faith encourages listener participation via her website. She warmly invites listeners to write in with reactions, thoughts, or questions, and reminds everyone about the Drawing Room online community and the upcoming “tea time” discussion (details in show notes).
Key Timestamps
| Timestamp | Segment | |-----------|--------------------------------------------| | 00:00 | Welcome & Episode Overview | | 08:15 | Comment: Dickens as Social Commentator | | 09:00 | Comment: Barkis’s Proposal | | 09:45 | Comment: The Cruelty of the Sign | | 12:30 | Listener Concerns: Is this ALL Sadness? | | 18:40 | Faith on Dickens’ Narrative Technique | | 20:58 | Davy’s Inner Monologue (Isolation) | | 22:45 | Introduction of Mr. Creakle | | 27:10 | Schoolboys Return/Traddles’ Introduction | | 34:30 | Steerforth’s Arrival and Dorm Feast | | 45:00 | Whispers About School Culture | | 47:55 | Davy’s Admiration of Steerforth |
Final Thoughts
In this episode, Faith skillfully guides listeners through Davy’s continued tribulations, highlighting Dickens’ nuanced portrayal of how children experience adult cruelty and camaraderie. The arrival at Salem House introduces memorable new characters and school dynamics, setting the stage for the next phase of Davy’s journey. Through both hardship and the seeds of new friendship, listeners are assured that Dickens balances the darkness with real glimmers of light.
To Participate:
Listeners are encouraged to submit questions and comments for future episodes via faithkmoore.com, and to consider joining the Drawing Room community discussions.
Memorable Host Quote:
“I wouldn’t choose a book that was just a total depressing slog. That’s not the kind of book I want to share with you... Good books don’t sugarcoat the world, but they don’t depress us for no reason either.”
— Faith Moore (13:45)