In which David meets new friends but is disturbed by his homecoming.

In which David falls into disgrace with his new father who, having failed to break his 'surly rebellious spirit' sends him to school at Salem House to see what a little 'whopping' can do.

In which David is set to work in London and does not like it. And in which, encouraged by Mr. Micawber's certainty that "something will turn up", he forms a great resolution to make his way to Dover.

In which takes place a famous meeting between Betsey Trotwood and Mr. Murdstone. And in which David is sent from Dover to Canterbury, where he is a new boy in more senses than one.

In which David, now a young man, takes his leave of Canterbury and sets out to visit some old friends, arriving at Yarmouth in time to witness a joyful and remarkable event.

In which David begins a legal career "in a lazy nook near St. Paul's Churchyard" where he meets a young lady and falls into captivity. And in which his "Good Angel" questions the choice of his "Guiding Star".

In which fortune smiles upon David and Dora who enjoy "an unsubstantial, happy, foolish time'; upon Uriah Heep, who goes up in the world; but not upon the folk at Yarmouth, who sustain two tragic losses.

In which Mr. Peggotty embarks on "the beginning of a long journey", and in which Betsey Trotwood astonishes her nephew and with the help of Traddles and Mr. Dick determines to "meet reverses boldly".

In which David and Dora are married; are robbed by tradesmen, suffer an "ordeal of servants" and live in "a constant hail of saucepan lids". And in which David tries to improve his wife by "forming her mind".

In which Yarmouth is the scene of a terrible storm, the rending and up-heaving of all nature, which brings about the death of two old friends. And in which Mr. Peggotty's dream comes true.

In which are discovered some remarkable facts about the past history of Betsey Trotwood. And in which David carries good news to Canterbury where he witnesses further developments in the infamous affairs of "Wickfield and Heep".

In which Mr. Micawber decides upon a "final act of reparation"-in short, the undoing of Uriah Heep. And in which he invites his friends down to Canterbury to "witness an explosion".

In which the emigrants sail; and in which David goes abroad to forget his grief, and on his return is blind no longer and at last sees where his future happiness lies. As friends reunite, Agnes, Betsey, Traddles, 'Mr. Dick', and Peggotty look forward to the "merriest Christmas we have ever known"