Little Dorrit · Chapter
Nobody's Weakness explained
Arthur Clennam walks to Twickenham to visit the Meagles family, reflecting on his future, his relationship with his mother, and his protective feelings toward Little Dorrit.
What happens
Arthur Clennam walks to Twickenham to visit the Meagles family, reflecting on his future, his relationship with his mother, and his protective feelings toward Little Dorrit. He meets Daniel Doyce on the road and they arrive together. At the Meagles' home, Arthur admires a portrait of Pet and her deceased sister Lillie, and observes Tattycoram's resentful behavior. He wrestles with the question of whether to allow himself to fall in love with Pet, who is half his age. Tattycoram reveals she has been in contact with Miss Wade, who offered her a refuge if she ever felt mistreated.
Themes in this chapter
Social Class and Hypocrisy
Mr. Meagles's subtle condescension toward Daniel Doyce as an 'originator' outside the beaten track hints at class-based biases even among well-meaning people.
Identity and Social Mobility
Arthur's uncertainty about his future occupation and inheritance reflects the struggle for identity and social standing in a rigid society.
Characters to notice
- Arthur Clennam
Walks to Twickenham, meditating on his future, his mother, and Little Dorrit; debates whether to fall in love with Pet.
- Pet Meagles
Appears at the doorway as Arthur admires her portrait; her beauty and charm are central to Arthur's internal conflict.
- Mr. Meagles
Welcomes Arthur and Daniel Doyce; shows off his old bank scales and scoop; expresses concern about Tattycoram's temperament.
- Daniel Doyce
Meets Arthur on the road; walks with him to Twickenham; described as modest, sensible, and an ingenious inventor.
- Tattycoram
Reveals she has met Miss Wade, who offered her a place to go if she feels hurt; shows anger and contempt when overhearing the family.
- Miss Wade
Mentioned as having written to Tattycoram and met her near the church, offering her considerate treatment.
Key passages
“Arthur Clennam was a retiring man, with a sense of many deficiencies; and he so exalted the merits of the beautiful Minnie in his mind, and depressed his own, that when he pinned himself to this point, his hopes began to fail him.”
Arthur, modest and self-deprecating, magnified Pet's virtues and minimized his own, causing his confidence to wane when he considered her feelings.
Arthur's internal struggle with self-worth and his feelings for Pet.
“There's a girl who might be lost and ruined, if she wasn't among practical people.”
Mr. Meagles believes Tattycoram could go astray without the steadying influence of sensible, down-to-earth people like his family.
Mr. Meagles's pragmatic view of Tattycoram's volatile nature.