Chapter 55 Summary

Mr. Peggotty and Emily are also making preparations to go to Australia. David takes a letter from Emily to Ham at Yarmouth, but is delayed by a terrible sea storm. Late that night, a ship from Spain is caught in the storm off the coast. During the commotion on the beach, David sees Ham and tries to keep him from going out on a rescue mission. Ham dies while attempting to rescue another man from the ship. The rescued man turns out to be Steerforth.

Chapter 55 Analysis

The irony of Ham dying in attempting to rescue Steerforth is quite bitter. Ham is shown as good, responsible, and brave to the very end. He has been seeking his death in some way since Emily left him, and now he has found it. The fact that Steerforth also dies in the storm finishes off their...