Chapter 6 Summary

Preparations are made for the school to reopen. The headmaster, Mr. Creakle, returns to the school and meets with David. Mr. Creakle is an old friend of Mr. Murdstone's and rules the school by inspiring fear in the students. The first student to return is friendly and kindhearted Tommy Traddles. Steerforth arrives later. He is the head student and leader of the schoolboys. He tricks David out of his remaining money, which he spends on a feast of cakes and candy. The boys gossip about the school and its staff. The gossip generally involves Mr. Creakle, who recently changed occupations from beer maker to schoolmaster and who had thrown out his grown son after a disagreement about the use of physical punishment at the school. These conversations help David to establish friendships with the other boys and settle into his new home.

Chapter 6 Analysis