Little Dorrit · Chapter
The Storming of the Castle in the Air explained
Mr.
What happens
Mr. Dorrit returns to Rome late at night, weary and anxious, and is unsettled by the desolate Campagna and a funeral procession. He finds Little Dorrit and Frederick in a warm room, and feels a pang of jealousy. Over dinner, he flatters Mrs. General and hints at a proposal, while also criticizing Fanny's jealousy. Later, he speaks with Little Dorrit, revealing his dependence on her yet his desire to be independent, and mentions Mrs. Merdle's farewell assembly. He retires to his rooms, preoccupied with his purchases and castle-building.
Themes in this chapter
Wealth and Moral Decline
Mr. Dorrit's obsession with his new wealth and social position leads to jealousy, manipulation, and a strained relationship with his daughter, illustrating moral decay.
Family Dynamics and Obligation
The chapter explores the complex dynamics between Mr. Dorrit, Little Dorrit, and Frederick, highlighting obligation, jealousy, and dependence.
Social Class and Hypocrisy
Mr. Dorrit's elaborate manners and flattery of Mrs. General contrast with his inner anxiety and the family's past in the Marshalsea, exposing hypocrisy.
Characters to notice
- William Dorrit
Returns to Rome late at night, weary and anxious; flatters Mrs. General and hints at marriage; shows jealousy and dependence on Little Dorrit.
- Little Dorrit
Found sewing in a small anteroom; notices her father's particular manner toward Mrs. General and his jealousy; is told she must be married.
- Frederick Dorrit
Present in the anteroom with Little Dorrit; described by William as declining and drivelling.
- Mrs. General
Dines with the family; receives flattery from Mr. Dorrit and hints at a proposal; withdraws due to agitation.
- Fanny Dorrit
Mentioned as having a blemish of jealousy toward Mrs. General; now married as Mrs. Sparkler.
- Mr. Merdle
Mentioned as keeping a glorious state with a court bowing before him.
Key passages
“The sun had gone down full four hours, and it was later than most travellers would like it to be for finding themselves outside the walls of Rome, when Mr. Dorrit's carriage, still on its last wearisome stage, rattled over the solitary Campagna.”
It was well after sunset, later than most travelers would want to be outside Rome, when Mr. Dorrit's carriage, on its final tiring leg of the journey, clattered across the lonely Campagna.
Sets the scene of Mr. Dorrit's late and anxious arrival in Rome.
“He was far more curious, in every swerve of the carriage, and every cry of the postilions, than he had been since he quitted London.”
He was much more alert and nervous at every movement and shout from the drivers than he had been since leaving London.
Highlights Mr. Dorrit's growing anxiety as they approach Rome.
“There was only his daughter and his brother there: he, with his chair drawn to the hearth, enjoying the warmth of the evening wood fire; she seated at a little table, busied with some embroidery work.”
Only his daughter and brother were present: Frederick sat by the fire enjoying its warmth, while Amy was at a small table doing embroidery.
Describes the peaceful domestic scene that Mr. Dorrit observes, which triggers his jealousy.
“The perfect formation of that accomplished lady's surface rendered it difficult to displace an atom of its genteel glaze, but Little Dorrit thought she descried a slight thaw of triumph in a corner of her frosty eye.”
Mrs. General's polished demeanor was so flawless that it was hard to disturb even a speck of its refined surface, yet Little Dorrit thought she saw a hint of triumphant softening in her cold eye.
Shows Little Dorrit's perception of Mrs. General's subtle reaction to Mr. Dorrit's attention.
“I refer, Mrs. General, to that—ha—strong spirit of opposition, or—hum—I might say—ha—jealousy in Fanny, which has occasionally risen against the—ha—sense I entertain of—hum—the claims of—ha—the lady with whom I have now the honour of communing.”
I am referring, Mrs. General, to that strong opposition or jealousy in Fanny, which has sometimes opposed my regard for the lady I am now speaking with.
Mr. Dorrit explains Fanny's jealousy toward Mrs. General, hinting at his own intentions.
“He took very little supper, but was a long time over it, and often reverted to his brother's declining state. Though he expressed the greatest pity for him, he was almost bitter upon him.”
He ate very little supper but lingered over it, frequently mentioning his brother's decline. Despite showing pity, he was nearly resentful toward him.
Reveals Mr. Dorrit's conflicted feelings about Frederick, mixing pity with bitterness.
