# XXIX: A Plea in the Marshalsea explained — Little Dorrit

> Chapter companion for Little Dorrit by Charles Dickens.

## 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.

## Character check-ins

### 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 lines

> 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._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/little_dorrit_se/chapters/xxix-a-plea-in-the-marshalsea
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