David Copperfield Group

Question:

alyfo09r
alyfo09r
Student
High School - 11th Grade

In David Copperfield when the Strongs reconcile, what was it that Annie said she was originally concealing from Dr. Strong?

This occurs in chapter 45, when Mr. Dick helps the couple revive their marriage... I understand that she is telling Dr. Strong that she hadn't had an affair with Jack Maldon, but she says something about originally trying to hide something from him (if I understood it correctly). What had she been trying to hide? I couldn't quite understand Dickens's use of language.

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Posted by alyfo09r on Monday February 11, 2008 at 4:50 PM and tagged with annie strong, chapter 45, charles dickens, david copperfield, dr strong, marriage, mrs strong.

Answers:


  1. sullymonster Teacher
    Community / Jr. College

    Dr. Strong has done what he can to help Jack Maldon along.  Maldon, shallow as he is, was ungrateful enough to disrespect Strong and speak words of love to Annie.  Although Annie never acted upon that, she knew she should have told her husband what had transpired.  She says, "one of my own kindred, to whom you had been a benefactor, for the love of me, had spoken to me words that should have found no utterance."  This refers to Maldon's inappropriate advances.  Annie regrets now ever having concealed that incident from her husband, but admits that her respect for him is what caused the secrecy.  She could not bear to have him think ill of her through the bad behavior of her cousin.

    Sources:
    http://www.enotes.com/david-copperfield/

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    Posted by sullymonster on Tuesday February 12, 2008 at 7:34 PM

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