Little Dorrit · Chapter
Getting On explained
Mr.
What happens
Mr. Dorrit, now wealthy and in London, receives a visit from the illustrious Mr. Merdle, who offers his services and advice on financial matters. Mr. Dorrit is overwhelmed by the attention and the social elevation that his daughter's marriage to Mr. Merdle's son brings. He revels in the public admiration and the newfound respect he commands, though he is unsettled by the Chief Butler's cold, knowing gaze.
Themes in this chapter
Wealth and Moral Decline
Mr. Dorrit's obsession with his new wealth and social standing, and his willingness to overlook the moral implications of his association with Merdle, illustrate the corrupting influence of money.
Social Class and Hypocrisy
The chapter highlights the hypocrisy of society, where Mr. Dorrit is celebrated despite his past imprisonment, and the Chief Butler's silent judgment underscores the lingering stigma of his origins.
Characters to notice
- William Dorrit
Basks in the glory of his connection to Mr. Merdle, enjoying the social and financial advantages, but is troubled by the Chief Butler's penetrating stare.
- Mr. Merdle
Visits Mr. Dorrit to offer his services and advice, displaying his characteristic subdued and hesitant manner while exerting his influence.
- Fanny Dorrit
Begins her competition with Mrs. Merdle, now married to Sparkler and fully embracing her new social position.
Key passages
“Mr. Dorrit positively trembled in addressing the great man.”
Mr. Dorrit was so nervous and awed that he actually shook while speaking to Mr. Merdle.
Shows Mr. Dorrit's extreme deference and the power imbalance between them.
“It was a rapturous dream to Mr. Dorrit to find himself set aloft in this public car of triumph, making a magnificent progress to that befitting destination, the golden Street of the Lombards.”
Mr. Dorrit felt as if he were in a blissful dream, riding in Mr. Merdle's carriage through the city, heading to the wealthy Lombard Street.
Illustrates Mr. Dorrit's intoxication with his newfound social elevation.
“Only one thing sat otherwise than auriferously, and at the same time lightly, on Mr. Dorrit's mind. It was the Chief Butler.”
The only thing that troubled Mr. Dorrit, despite his golden fortune, was the Chief Butler's unsettling gaze.
Highlights the persistent anxiety about his past that wealth cannot erase.