Little Dorrit · Chapter
Something Wrong Somewhere explained
The Dorrit family, now wealthy and traveling abroad, struggles with their new social position.
What happens
The Dorrit family, now wealthy and traveling abroad, struggles with their new social position. Frederick Dorrit vehemently protests against Fanny's pride and ingratitude toward Amy, defending her as the family's true guardian. Mr. Dorrit consults Mrs. General about Amy's failure to adapt to high society, and later permits Amy to visit the Gowans after learning of their connection to the illustrious Mr. Merdle.
Themes in this chapter
Social Class and Hypocrisy
The Dorrits' obsession with social standing and connections to figures like Merdle exposes the hypocrisy of their new wealth and disdain for their past.
Family Dynamics and Obligation
Frederick's fierce defense of Amy against Fanny's pride highlights the tension between familial loyalty and social ambition within the Dorrit family.
Identity and Social Mobility
Amy's difficulty adapting to high society and Mr. Dorrit's concern that she is 'not one of ourselves' illustrate the challenges of maintaining identity amid rapid social ascent.
Characters to notice
- William Dorrit
Anxious about family dignity, seeks Mrs. General's advice on Amy's behavior, and approves Amy's visit to the Gowans based on their Merdle connection.
- Frederick Dorrit
Delivers a passionate protest against Fanny's pride and ingratitude toward Amy, defending Amy as the family's devoted guardian.
- Fanny Dorrit
Weeps and protests after being rebuked by Uncle Frederick for setting up superiorities against Amy, claiming she is anxious for the family credit.
- Little Dorrit
Diffidently asks permission to visit the Gowans; is defended by Uncle Frederick as the family's affectionate and invaluable friend.
- Mrs. General
Advises Mr. Dorrit on Amy's lack of proper breeding, recommending that he speak to Amy himself; varnishes the Gowan connection based on their Merdle acquaintance.
- Tip Dorrit
Provides information about the Gowans' connection to Mr. Merdle through Sparkler, influencing the family's decision to allow Amy's visit.
Key passages
“Mr. Merdle is the man of this time. The name of Merdle is the name of the age.”
Mr. Dorrit declares that Merdle represents the pinnacle of contemporary success and influence.
Reflects the era's worship of wealth and the power of financial reputation.
“Brother, I protest against pride. I protest against ingratitude. I protest against any one of us here who have known what we have known, and have seen what we have seen, setting up any pretension that puts Amy at a moment’s disadvantage, or to the cost of a moment’s pain.”
Frederick Dorrit passionately condemns the family's pride and ingratitude toward Amy, reminding them of their shared past.
Highlights the moral conflict between remembering humble origins and embracing new social status.
“Perfect breeding forms none, and is never demonstrative.”
Mrs. General asserts that true refinement involves suppressing opinions and emotions.
Satirizes the Victorian ideal of restrained, artificial gentility.