# A Puzzle explained — Little Dorrit

> Chapter companion for Little Dorrit by Charles Dickens.

## What happens

Arthur Clennam continues his visits to the Marshalsea, but his relationship with William Dorrit sours due to his lack of enthusiasm for the Testimonial. Clennam discovers that Little Dorrit's family has been secretly writing to him for money, causing her great distress. He also receives a mysterious invitation from Mr. Chivery's wife, who wishes to speak with him about Little Dorrit.

## Themes in this chapter

### Imprisonment and Confinement

Little Dorrit's sense of duty ties her to the Marshalsea, which she calls home, highlighting the psychological grip of the prison.

### Family Dynamics and Obligation

The Dorrit family's reliance on Clennam for money and Little Dorrit's distress reveal the burdens of familial obligation.

### Secrecy and Revelation

The secret letters from the Dorrit family to Clennam and Mrs. Chivery's mysterious invitation underscore themes of hidden motives and revelations.

## Character check-ins

### Arthur Clennam

Visits the Marshalsea regularly, responds to letters from the Dorrit family, and agrees to meet Mrs. Chivery.

### Little Dorrit

Deeply distressed by her family's secret letters to Clennam; insists on returning to the prison, calling it home.

### William Dorrit

Disappointed in Clennam for not supporting the Testimonial; writes to Clennam requesting money.

### Maggy

Commissioned by the Dorrit family to deliver letters to Clennam; given a shilling by Clennam.

### Mr. Chivery

Arranges a private meeting between Clennam and his wife regarding Little Dorrit.

### Mrs. Chivery

Wishes to speak with Clennam about Little Dorrit; shows him a view of the prison yard.

## Key lines

> But it is home! What else can I call home? Why should I ever forget it for a single moment?

Little Dorrit insists that the Marshalsea is her home, rejecting Clennam's plea not to call it that.

_Highlights her deep connection to the prison and her sense of duty._

> He was happy, he observed, in his public capacity as leader and representative of the College, to receive Mr. Clennam when he called to pay his respects; but he didn’t find that he got on with him personally.

William Dorrit publicly welcomes Clennam but privately feels disappointed in him.

_Shows Dorrit's hypocrisy and his focus on the Testimonial._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/little_dorrit_se/chapters/xxii-a-puzzle
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/little_dorrit_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/little_dorrit_se/chapters