Am I missing something? It seems to me that David starts to admire Steerforth when they first meet, but later on it becomes transparent that he is in no way a role model? By chapter 24 I struggle to find any redeeming qualities in him, maybe except his charisma, while David still calls him his “guiding star”.
No, I am not in high school and this is not my homework, believe it or not.
You’re not missing anything. Steerforth starts out as DC’s friend and defender, and David idolizes him, but in adulthood turns out to be an entitled jerk.