"He's a-going out with the tide," said Mr. Peggotty to me, behind his hand.
My eyes were dim, and so were Mr. Peggotty's; but I repeated in a whisper, "With the tide?"
"People can't die, along the coast," said Mr. Peggotty, "except when the tide's pretty nigh out. They can't be born, unless it's pretty nigh in–not properly born, till flood. . . ."

In this poignant moment from David Copperfield, the concept of life and death aligning with the natural tides underscores the interconnectedness of human existence with the rhythms of nature. Mr. Peggotty's belief that people are born and die with the tides reflects a deep-rooted folklore along the coastal communities, lending a mystical quality to the narrative. The imagery of Barkis "going out with the tide" metaphorically frames his death as a natural, almost preordained event, offering a sense of peace and inevitability. This scene also highlights the bond between David and the Peggotty family, as they share in this intimate, sorrowful vigil. Dickens uses their shared tears and whispered words to convey the gravity and tenderness of the moment, illustrating the profound impact of communal experiences in the face of life's certainties.