# Getting On explained — Little Dorrit

> Chapter companion for Little Dorrit by Charles Dickens.

## 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.

## Character check-ins

### 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 lines

> 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._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/little_dorrit_se/chapters/xvi-getting-on
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/little_dorrit_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/little_dorrit_se/chapters