# XVIII: A Castle in the Air explained — Little Dorrit

> Chapter companion for Little Dorrit by Charles Dickens.

## What happens

Mr. Dorrit, now wealthy and elevated, struggles with lingering memories of the Marshalsea. At a farewell banquet, he parts with Fanny and Sparkler, then is confronted at his hotel by Young John Chivery, who has come to pay respects. Mr. Dorrit initially reacts with fury, but eventually softens, gives John a testimonial for the Collegians, and sends him away. Later, Mr. Dorrit indulges in fantasies of grandeur, buying lavish gifts and building castles in the air as he travels toward Rome.

## Themes in this chapter

### Wealth and Moral Decline

Mr. Dorrit's new wealth brings not peace but inner conflict and shame about his past, leading to erratic behavior and fantasies of grandeur.

### Social Class and Hypocrisy

Mr. Dorrit's harsh treatment of Young John Chivery, a reminder of his former life, reveals his desperate need to distance himself from his past and maintain his new social standing.

### Imprisonment and Confinement

Though physically free, Mr. Dorrit remains psychologically imprisoned by his memories of the Marshalsea, as shown by his violent reaction to John Chivery's visit.

## Character check-ins

### William Dorrit

Struggles with his past as the Father of the Marshalsea, oscillates between rage and shame when confronted by Young John Chivery, and indulges in fantasies of wealth and status.

### Young John Chivery

Visits Mr. Dorrit at his hotel to offer cigars and inquire after Little Dorrit, is harshly rebuked but later given a testimonial for the Collegians.

### Fanny Dorrit

Parting from her father at the Merdle dinner, she asserts her dignity and refuses to send any message to others, with Mrs. General looming in her mind.

### Edmund Sparkler

Present at the farewell, dutifully waits to shake hands with Mr. Dorrit.

### Mr. Merdle

Escorts Mr. Dorrit downstairs after the farewell banquet, reinforcing his attentiveness to the wealthy guest.

## Key lines

> Manifold are the cares of wealth and state.

Wealth and high status bring many worries.

_Opening line highlighting the burdens of Mr. Dorrit's new life._

> Mr. Dorrit was ashamed. He went back to the window, and leaned his forehead against the glass for some time.

Mr. Dorrit felt shame and stood at the window, pressing his forehead against the glass.

_Shows Mr. Dorrit's internal conflict after his outburst at Young John._

> Building away with all his might, but reserving the plans of his castle exclusively for his own eye, Mr. Dorrit posted away for Marseilles.

Mr. Dorrit traveled toward Marseilles, constantly building his fantasy castle in his mind, keeping the plans to himself.

_Metaphor for Mr. Dorrit's obsessive daydreaming about his new status._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/little_dorrit_se/chapters/xviii-a-castle-in-the-air
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/little_dorrit_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/little_dorrit_se/chapters