Chapter 30 Summary

David goes to Yarmouth. He arrives late at night and goes to the tailor shop rather than disturb Peggotty at this hour. At the tailor shop, he learns that Emily is to be let out of her apprenticeship to get married. The doctor arrives with news of Mr. Barkis' failing health. David goes directly to Peggotty's after hearing this news. Emily is there and seems very upset by everything that is going on. David tries to comfort Peggotty and Barkis. Barkis dies early that morning.

Chapter 30 Analysis

David's trip to Yarmouth to see Barkis is very different from previous visits. The whole family is under a cloud because of his illness. Something is happening with Emily although everyone is too concerned with Barkis to investigate what it is. Emily's actions, combined with Steerforth's behavior, seem to foreshadow that something bad is about to...