David Copperfield
Chapter 8: My Holidays. Especially One Happy Afternoon
by Charles Dickens
David goes home for the holidays and is introduced to a new family member.
David goes home for the holidays and is introduced to a new family member.
Tommy returns to the doctor's house after making a delivery for his father, the cobbler. While attempting to beat the weather, Tommy accidentally runs into Doctor Dolittle. Having been invited into the Dolittle home, Tommy is shocked by what he sees.
Dorothy and her friends find themselves in a poppy field and the scent of the poppies causes Dorothy, Toto, and the Lion to fall asleep. The Lion is too large to carry out of the field and will sleep forever!
A youth steals a magic ring from a witch-maiden in order to slay a dragon, but suffers her punishment for the theft.
Thoreau discusses classic literature and its benefits.
Mr. Peggotty, determined to find Little Em'ly, asks David for his assistance. Miss Mowcher tells David about her unintentional part in the Peggotty family debacle. Mr. Peggotty and David visit Mrs. Steerforth.
Anne's visit to Aunt Josephine's house gives her a new perspective on city-life and wealth.
Hump receives his dried clothing, but notices that some valuably articles are now missing, resulting in an altercation with Mugridge. A misstep while performing his duties aboard ship, results in violence towards Hump. Hump informs Captain Larsen of his missing money, but is only chastised for his irresponsibility and later presented with some of the captains philosophy.
Bluff finds that the man is desperate to escape, but jumps into danger. The boys provide assistance. They help once again when the sherriff and his men return. They travel down the river, stopping for supplies at a small town before reaching the gulf.
Walter meets Mrs. Catherick, and tries to discover the secret behind her relationship with Sir Percival.
The husband of Lady Sannox develops a sinister plot when he finds out that his wife is seeing another man.
Squinty continues to wander lost in a corn field. Squinty’s family notices that he’s gone, as does the farmer. He sends the dog after Squinty. Squinty returns home.
The spirit gives Hamlet some unsettling news. Hamlet, Horatio, and Marcellus take an oath of secrecy.
Thoreau describes the many sounds that can be heard from his cabin.
Helping Jim to escape proves to be harder than expected.
Dorothy and her friends visit the Tin Man who looks troubled. He gives them a tour of the castle and lunch, then tells them of the Nome King’s terrible plot. He tells them of the hopelessness of the near future.
Jasper tells Grewgious about the previous evening's dinner party. Reverend Crisparkle makes some alarming discoveries at Cloisterham Weir. Evidence in the case against Neville continues to mount.
Elizabeth recounts Mr. Douglas' attempted courting of Miss Mary Todd.
Polynesia, having already convinced the doctor to take a vacation, attempts to influence even more. Doctor Dolittle and his friends begin their trip home.
The May-Queen tells a story.
A priest looks for lodging in the night and is given shelter by an old woman. She goes to gather more wood, and she tells him not to look in the back room. Curiosity gets the better of him, and he looks in the room and sees horrible things. He realizes she is the Goblin of Adachigahara, and flees. She chases him through the night, but he prays to Buddha and keeps running. Morning dawns, making the goblin disappear, and the priest is safe.
Dr. Van Helsing gives Lucy a blood transfusion. There is an interview with a zoo keeper that describes the escape and recapture of a wolf. Dr. Seward tells of Renfield’s escape and attack on him. Lucy’s mother dies and tells of the horrible events that took place that night.
George's behavior bothers Dobbin.
A good deal of Meg, Jo, Beth, and Amy's personalities are divulged to the reader.
Ishmael recounts the collecting of the spermaceti and the dangers of the blubber room.