Mrs. Crupp Character Analysis in David Copperfield

Mrs. Crupp is David's landlady (and to some extent housekeeper) during his early years in London. She is an alcoholic who frequently helps herself to David's liquor, and she resents the attempts of others (particularly Miss Betsey) to keep house. She does, however, seem to harbor some genuine affection for David, who at one point confides in her about his love for Dora.

Mrs. Crupp Character Timeline in David Copperfield

The timeline below shows where the character Mrs. Crupp appears in David Copperfield. The colored dots and icons indicate which themes are associated with that appearance.

Coming of Age and Personal Development Theme Icon

Ambition, Social Mobility, and Morality Theme Icon

...of rooms. They then go to visit the apartment, where Miss Betsey and the landlady, Mrs. Crupp , negotiate while David daydreams. Eventually, they decide David will provisionally rent the rooms for... (full context)

...suggests that they all come over for dinner. Once Steerforth has left, David speaks with Mrs. Crupp about the evening's plans. She recommends a young man and woman to act as waiter... (full context)

...his apartment's prior occupant had. He toys with the idea of sharing his woes with Mrs. Crupp but does not feel she would make a very good confidant. (full context)

...and again "in very repulsion." When the morning finally comes and Uriah leaves, David asks Mrs. Crupp to air out his rooms. (full context)

...his promise to Agnes, David can't bring himself to tell her about his latest infatuation. Mrs. Crupp , however, manages to figure out that David is in love with someone, and urges... (full context)

The day after his conversation with Mrs. Crupp , David decides to go see Traddles, who lives in a neighborhood with an air... (full context)

...with Steerforth, David plans a much more modest meal this time. He manages to persuade Mrs. Crupp to cook for the party, but she manipulates him into agreeing to dine out for... (full context)

Mrs. Crupp 's cooking is mostly a failure, but everyone is in such a good mood that... (full context)

...stuck up a friendship with Peggotty, who is often there (much to the annoyance of Mrs. Crupp , who refuses to act as housekeeper while Peggotty remains). One day Traddles manages to... (full context)

...whom she insists on calling "Barkis" (she has always considered Peggotty's name "pagan" sounding). Meanwhile, Mrs. Crupp —who is eager to please Miss Betsey—has made tea. Mrs. Crupp then leaves, and Miss... (full context)

...At that moment, however, they arrive home and find Miss Betsey agitated after arguing with Mrs. Crupp about whether it is appropriate for Miss Betsey to stay there. She is pleased to... (full context)

...Mr. Dick has settled in well to his new job, and Miss Betsey has frightened Mrs. Crupp into staying in the kitchen. Miss Betsey has also taken it upon herself to redecorate... (full context)