Little Dorrit · Chapter
Fellow Travellers explained
The chapter introduces a group of travellers at a convent inn in the Swiss Alps, including the Dorrit family and Mr.
What happens
The chapter introduces a group of travellers at a convent inn in the Swiss Alps, including the Dorrit family and Mr. and Mrs. Henry Gowan. A mysterious and insinuating traveller, Blandois, makes himself disagreeable to the young lady (likely Pet Meagles or Little Dorrit). Later, a private meeting occurs between a visitor and a lady, where a letter is exchanged in confidence. The travellers discuss the convent's Saint Bernard dogs and the season's end for tourism.
Themes in this chapter
Social Class and Hypocrisy
The Dorrit family's pride and the condescension of the 'lofty gentleman' contrast with the humble origins of Little Dorrit, highlighting class pretensions.
Secrecy and Revelation
The secret letter exchanged between the visitor and the lady, and the request to keep it hidden from the husband, underscores themes of hidden knowledge and trust.
Characters to notice
- Little Dorrit
Present as a member of the Dorrit party; she is the visitor who gives the letter to the lady.
- William Dorrit
The grey-haired gentleman who dozes by the fire and converses with Blandois.
- Henry Gowan
Listed in the travellers' book as Mr. Henry Gowan, traveling with his wife.
- Monsieur Rigaud
The insinuating traveller who signs the book as Blandois; his manner is disagreeable to the young lady.
- Mrs. General
Listed in the travellers' book as part of the Dorrit suite; she observes the conversation about the dogs.
- Frederick Dorrit
Listed in the travellers' book as Frederick Dorrit, Esquire.
Key passages
“The traveller had been at the pains of going a long way upstairs to his sleeping-room to fetch his pocket-flask of brandy. He told them so, as he poured its contents into what was left of the wine, and drank with a new relish.”
The traveller went all the way upstairs to get his brandy flask, then added it to the remaining wine and drank with fresh enjoyment.
Shows Blandois's self-indulgent and intrusive nature.
“She had sat in her quiet corner before supper imagining what he would have been in the scenes and places within her experience, until he inspired her with an aversion that made him little less than terrific.”
Before supper, she sat in her corner and imagined him in familiar settings, which made her feel such strong dislike that he seemed almost terrifying.
Reveals the young lady's intense fear of Blandois.
“I have a little note here, which I was to give to you whenever I found you. This is it. Unless I greatly mistake, it is addressed to you? Is it not?”
I have a small note that I was supposed to give you when I found you. Here it is. I believe it's addressed to you, isn't it?
The visitor delivers a secret letter to the lady, initiating a confidential exchange.