Little Dorrit · Chapter
Taking Advice explained
Fanny Dorrit advises her sister Amy about their family's social disadvantages as newcomers to fashionable life, expressing her determination not to be 'mother-in-lawed' by Mrs.
What happens
Fanny Dorrit advises her sister Amy about their family's social disadvantages as newcomers to fashionable life, expressing her determination not to be 'mother-in-lawed' by Mrs. General or patronized by Mrs. Merdle. She hints at possibly marrying Mr. Sparkler to secure the family's position, despite Amy's pleas against it. Meanwhile, news of Mr. Sparkler's appointment to the Circumlocution Office circulates among the British in Rome, with Henry Gowan mockingly praising him. Fanny's treatment of Sparkler becomes increasingly capricious, and Amy notices a new understanding between them, including Sparkler's fraternal demeanor toward her.
Themes in this chapter
Social Class and Hypocrisy
Fanny discusses the Dorrits' social disadvantages as newcomers to fashionable life, while Mrs. Merdle and others engage in hypocritical social maneuvering.
Wealth and Moral Decline
Fanny's willingness to marry Mr. Sparkler for his position reflects the moral compromises associated with wealth and social climbing.
Family Dynamics and Obligation
Fanny feels obligated to 'carry the family through' by securing a wealthy marriage, while Amy pleads for a more principled path.
Characters to notice
- Fanny Dorrit
Fanny advises Amy about their family's social standing, expresses resentment toward Mrs. General and Mrs. Merdle, and contemplates marrying Mr. Sparkler to carry the family through.
- Little Dorrit
Amy listens to Fanny's advice with anxiety, pleads with her not to marry Mr. Sparkler for social gain, and later observes a new understanding between Fanny and Sparkler.
- Edmund Sparkler
Sparkler is appointed to the Circumlocution Office, is mocked by Gowan, and becomes increasingly submissive to Fanny, showing a fraternal demeanor toward Amy.
- Henry Gowan
Gowan mocks Sparkler's appointment publicly, drawing him out in company, but is stung by Fanny's sharp retorts.
- Mrs. Merdle
Mrs. Merdle circulates news of Sparkler's appointment with studied indifference, and comments on Fanny's beauty with a critical edge.
- William Dorrit
Mentioned by Fanny as being gentlemanly but slightly different due to his past imprisonment.
Key passages
“I will not submit to be mother-in-lawed by Mrs. General; and I will not submit to be, in any respect whatever, either patronised or tormented by Mrs. Merdle.”
Fanny declares she will not allow Mrs. General to become her stepmother or endure Mrs. Merdle's condescension.
Fanny expresses her defiance against social subordination.
“That he has somehow or other, and how is of no consequence, attained a very good position, no one can deny. That it is a very good connection, no one can deny.”
Fanny acknowledges that Mr. Sparkler has a good social position and that marrying him would be a beneficial connection.
Fanny rationalizes the potential marriage to Sparkler based on his status.
“If you loved anyone, you would no more be yourself, but you would quite lose and forget yourself in your devotion to him.”
Amy argues that true love would transform Fanny, making her selfless and devoted.
Amy appeals to Fanny's emotions, contrasting love with calculated ambition.