# The Word of a Gentleman explained — Little Dorrit

> Chapter companion for Little Dorrit by Charles Dickens.

## 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.

## Character check-ins

### 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 lines

> 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._

## Links

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