suitability of mind and purpose

So here it comes. . . more thoughts on David Copperfield. I said I didn't want to leave it behind yet so consider yourself warned.

One of the things that surprised me about this book is that David originally marries the wrong girl. He did not make this mistake in the movie. As a young lad, David falls desperately in love with Dora, the daughter of Mr. Spenlow, David's boss. Dora is beautiful and empty-headed complete with a yippy little lap dog. She is sweet but spoiled, stupid, and naive, and totally ignorant of all things practical. In short, any reader could see from a mile away that this was simply a junior-high crush and that she was not David's equal. But following his "undisciplined heart," he marries Dora. But upon entering marital bliss, he quickly realizes that Dora is but a child and does not have the strength of character to face adult life. In spite of these feelings, David remains devoted to Dora. It is not until he witnesses the make-up of Dr. and Mrs. Strong, David's former teacher and his wife who have been married for many years, after a horrible misunderstanding that his feelings are put to words. Mrs. Strong in speaking about a past love and her gratitude for marrying Mr. Strong instead says, "There can be no disparity in marriage like the unsuitability of mind and purpose."

This beautiful statement struck me in a few ways. First, that David was able to stay loyal to and even love Dora in spite of the great disparity in their minds and purpose. That kind of sacrifice and integrity is something we just don't see often in modern times and it is beautiful. (Spoiler Alert: Dora's weakness is also physical; she dies, and David is able to marry his one, true love and equal in mind, heart, and purpose: Agnes--which any reader could have seen from a mile away, but that's what makes it good.) Secondly, this picture of marriage is a very biblical one. It reflects the command to be equally yoked and also that husband and wife are partners in the gospel--suitable in mind and purpose. Also, for all the single ladies, do not fall prey to "the mistaken impulse of [your] undisciplined heart" as Mrs. Strong would say. Choose a husband who is suitable in mind and purpose rather than being carried away with youthful emotions. Lastly, I am very thankful to have found the one that for me is suitable in mind and purpose.