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Grainger and Mrs. Gummidge - Characters, David Copperfield | David Copperfield - Summary, Themes & Characters - Novels PDF Download

GRAINGER

One of the two friends of Steerforth's that accompany David and Steerforth on David's one, disastrous drunken outing into London. Of course he would bump into Agnes while sozzled – so embarrassing!


Mrs. Gummidge

Mrs. Gummidge is the widow of Mr. Peggotty's business partner. Mr. Peggotty takes her into his house after her husband dies, and she does the cooking and cleaning for Mr. Peggotty, Ham, and Emily. Mrs. Gummidge has a catchphrase: she is often grumpy and out of sorts, and she likes to exclaim, "I am a lone lorn creetur' [..[ and everythink goes contrary with me" (3.102). This is a sentiment Mrs. Gummidge repeats many times throughout the first half of the book. She always feels isolated and lonely, as though everything in the world is worse for Mrs. Gummidge than it is for everyone else.

It all turns around once little Emily runs away and Mr. Peggotty is suddenly miserable for a change. Mrs. Gummidge rises to the occasion. She helps Mr. Peggotty pack for his travels, she maintains his boat house while he is away, and she eventually accompanies Mr. Peggotty and Emily all the way to Australia. Mrs. Gummidge feels miserable when other people are happy, but when other people are having a hard time, she's willing to put aside her own sorrows and pitch in.

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FAQs on Grainger and Mrs. Gummidge - Characters, David Copperfield - David Copperfield - Summary, Themes & Characters - Novels

1. Who are Grainger and Mrs. Gummidge in the David Copperfield novels?
Ans. Grainger and Mrs. Gummidge are both characters in Charles Dickens' novel "David Copperfield." Grainger is a minor character who appears in the later part of the story as a friend of Mr. Micawber. Mrs. Gummidge, on the other hand, is a more significant character who is portrayed as a gloomy and melancholic widow. She works as a servant in the Peggotty household and is known for her constant lamenting and self-pity.
2. What is the role of Grainger in the David Copperfield novels?
Ans. Grainger serves as a friend and confidant to Mr. Micawber in the David Copperfield novels. He is described as a jovial and good-natured man who supports Micawber during his financial troubles. Grainger's role is relatively minor in the overall plot, but he aids in highlighting the theme of friendship and loyalty in the novel.
3. How is Mrs. Gummidge portrayed in the David Copperfield novels?
Ans. Mrs. Gummidge is portrayed as a gloomy and melancholic character in the David Copperfield novels. She is often seen lamenting about her unfortunate circumstances and expressing deep sadness. Despite her constant self-pity, Mrs. Gummidge is also shown to be kind-hearted and caring, particularly towards the Peggotty family. Her portrayal adds depth to the novel's exploration of human emotions and the challenges of finding happiness in difficult circumstances.
4. What is the significance of Mrs. Gummidge's character in the David Copperfield novels?
Ans. Mrs. Gummidge's character in the David Copperfield novels serves multiple purposes. Firstly, she represents the hardships faced by the lower class during Dickens' time, highlighting the social and economic inequalities of the era. Additionally, her constant lamenting and self-pity contrast with the more optimistic and resilient characters in the novel, emphasizing the importance of maintaining a positive outlook in the face of adversity. Lastly, Mrs. Gummidge's character contributes to the overall theme of compassion and empathy, as she elicits sympathy from both the readers and the other characters in the novel.
5. How does Grainger's friendship with Mr. Micawber contribute to the plot of the David Copperfield novels?
Ans. Grainger's friendship with Mr. Micawber plays a small but significant role in the plot of the David Copperfield novels. As a supportive friend, Grainger provides comfort and encouragement to Micawber during his financial struggles. This friendship highlights the theme of loyalty and the importance of having a support system during difficult times. Furthermore, Grainger's presence in the novel helps to humanize Micawber and showcase his ability to form genuine connections with others, despite his comical and eccentric nature.
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