Little Dorrit · Chapter
The Word of a Gentleman explained
Mr.
What happens
Mr. Blandois visits the Clennam house, where he meets Mrs. Clennam, Mr. Flintwinch, and Affery. He examines Mrs. Clennam's watch, noting the initials D.N.F., and displays a suspicious, overbearing demeanor. Affery reacts strangely to him, and Mr. Flintwinch grows wary of his probing interest in the house.
Themes in this chapter
Secrecy and Revelation
The initials D.N.F. on Mrs. Clennam's watch hint at a hidden secret, and Mr. Blandois's probing questions suggest a revelation may be imminent.
Imprisonment and Confinement
Mrs. Clennam is confined to her room by illness, and the old house itself feels like a prison of secrets and routine.
Characters to notice
- Mrs. Clennam
Receives Mr. Blandois in her room, speaks of her infirmities, and allows him to examine her watch with the initials D.N.F.
- Mr. Flintwinch
Guides Mr. Blandois through the house, grows suspicious of his constant watching, and shakes Affery for her strange behavior.
- Monsieur Rigaud
Visits the Clennam house under the name Blandois, flatters Mrs. Clennam, examines the watch, and displays a sinister, watchful manner.
- Affery Flintwinch
Stares at Mr. Blandois in confusion, claims 'it's him,' and is shaken by her husband before fleeing.
Key passages
“it is better with me than with millions.”
She claims her condition is better than that of countless others.
Mrs. Clennam speaks of her own state with a mix of resignation and defiance.
“I am sensitive, ardent, conscientious, and imaginative. A sensitive, ardent, conscientious, and imaginative man, Mr. Flintwinch, must be that, or nothing!”
Mr. Blandois insists he is a man of deep feeling and integrity, implying that such a man cannot be anything less.
He overstates his virtues, hinting at his deceptive nature.
“I have been called picturesque myself. It is no merit to be picturesque—I have greater merits, perhaps—but I may be, by an accident. Sympathy, sympathy!”
He claims to be considered picturesque, but says it is accidental and not his true merit, calling for sympathy.
His self-description is theatrical and manipulative.
“Now is this D.N.F. ? It might be almost anything.”
He asks if the initials on the watch are D.N.F., noting they could stand for many things.
Mr. Blandois's curiosity about the watch's inscription hints at a deeper interest in the Clennam family secrets.