Dr Strong believes in "the honour and good faith of the boys, and [has] an
avowed intention to rely on their possession of those qualities unless they
proved themselves unworthy of it". Creakle, however treats all the boys with
immediate suspicion. When he first meets David, he takes him "by the ear" and
threatens him. Dickens again emphasises the importance of good morals as a
starting point for an education, using the same Murdstone—Trotwood comparison
between Creakle and Strong. Dr Strong's liberal method "worked wonders... and
[David] learnt with a good will, desiring to do it credit" whereas, at Salem
House, the students "were too much troubled and knocked about to learn".
Dickens also contrasts the environments of both schools. At Salem House, David
never feels completely at ease. He vigilantly watches Creakle's eye during
class, always fearful. Even at night, the boys are fearful of Mr Creakle who is
often "prowling about the passage", ready to beat the boys for "disorderly
conduct".
