Little Dorrit · Chapter
XXIX: A Plea in the Marshalsea explained
Arthur Clennam, imprisoned in the Marshalsea, suffers from severe physical and mental decline, haunted by anxiety and remorse.
What happens
Arthur Clennam, imprisoned in the Marshalsea, suffers from severe physical and mental decline, haunted by anxiety and remorse. He isolates himself from visitors, including the Plornishes and Young John Chivery. Little Dorrit visits him, offering her entire fortune to secure his freedom, but Clennam refuses, confessing his love and regret for not having understood his feelings earlier.
Themes in this chapter
Imprisonment and Confinement
Clennam's physical and psychological deterioration in the Marshalsea illustrates the crushing effects of confinement.
Self-Sacrifice and Devotion
Little Dorrit offers her entire fortune to free Clennam, and Young John Chivery selflessly delivers her message.
Secrecy and Revelation
Clennam confesses his long-hidden love for Little Dorrit, revealing feelings he had previously kept secret.
Characters to notice
- Arthur Clennam
Suffering from illness and despair in the Marshalsea; refuses Little Dorrit's offer of her fortune.
- Little Dorrit
Visits Clennam in prison and offers him all her money; declares her undying love through John Chivery.
- Young John Chivery
Delivers Little Dorrit's message of love to Clennam and promises to stand by him.
- Mr. Pancks
Mentioned as being away, so Clennam has no visitors to fear but the Plornishes.
- Signor Cavalletto
Mentioned as being away with Pancks.
- Mr. Plornish
Clennam writes to Mrs. Plornish to avoid visits, anxious not to be seen in his weakened state.
Key passages
“Haggard anxiety and remorse are bad companions to be barred up with.”
Being imprisoned with anxiety and guilt is a terrible experience.
Opening line describing Clennam's state of mind.
“Tell him that his Little Dorrit sent him her undying love.”
Convey to him that Little Dorrit loves him forever.
John Chivery delivers Little Dorrit's message to Clennam.
“Will you let me lend you all I have? Will you let me give it you?”
Please allow me to give you all my money.
Little Dorrit's plea to Clennam to accept her fortune.