Little Dorrit · Chapter
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Arthur Clennam returns to his mother's house in London, reflecting on his bleak childhood and the oppressive atmosphere of his home.
What happens
Arthur Clennam returns to his mother's house in London, reflecting on his bleak childhood and the oppressive atmosphere of his home. He encounters Affery Flintwinch, who hints at his former sweetheart Flora now being a widow, and sees Little Dorrit for the first time. The chapter explores Arthur's memories of a joyless upbringing dominated by his stern mother and religious severity, as he re-enters the dim, decaying family home.
Themes in this chapter
Imprisonment and Confinement
Mrs. Clennam's self-imposed confinement to her room for fifteen years mirrors the physical and emotional imprisonment Arthur experienced in his childhood home.
Family Dynamics and Obligation
Arthur's return to his mother's house highlights the strained, duty-bound relationship with his stern mother and the lingering effects of a joyless upbringing.
Secrecy and Revelation
Affery's cryptic remarks about Little Dorrit and the 'two clever ones' hint at hidden schemes and secrets within the Clennam household.
Characters to notice
- Arthur Clennam
Returns to his mother's house after years abroad, reflecting on his childhood and the oppressive environment.
- Affery Flintwinch
Speaks with Arthur about Little Dorrit and hints at Flora's widowhood, then quickly exits upon hearing Jeremiah on the stairs.
- Little Dorrit
Briefly seen by Arthur in a dark corner of Mrs. Clennam's room, described by Affery as 'a whim' of Mrs. Clennam.
- Mrs. Clennam
Arthur's mother, now confined to her room due to rheumatic illness, stern and unyielding, presiding over the gloomy household.
- Flora Casby
Mentioned as Arthur's former sweetheart, now a widow and well-to-do, with Affery suggesting he might renew the acquaintance.
Key passages
“The airy folly of a boy’s love had found its way even into that house, and he had been as wretched under its hopelessness as if the house had been a castle of romance.”
Arthur's youthful romantic feelings had once penetrated the gloomy house, causing him as much misery as if he were in a romantic castle.
Reflects Arthur's nostalgic and painful memories of his first love, Flora.
“The world has narrowed to these dimensions, Arthur.”
Mrs. Clennam acknowledges that her world has shrunk to the confines of her room.
Highlights her physical and emotional confinement.
“In the city, it developed only foul stale smells, and was a sickly, lukewarm, dirt-stained, wretched addition to the gutters.”
In London, the rain only brought out unpleasant odors and added to the filth in the streets.
Contrasts the natural beauty of rain in the country with its grim urban reality.