Little Dorrit by Charles Dickens
Originally published in monthly installments between 1855 and 1857, the novel focuses on the various forms of imprisonment, both physical and psychological, while also concentrating on dysfunctional family ties...
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Originally published in monthly installments between 1855 and 1857,
the novel focuses on the various forms of imprisonment, both
physical and psychological, while also concentrating on
dysfunctional family ties. Accordingly, Dickens avidly criticizes
the social deficiencies of the time including injustice, social
hypocrisy, the austerity of the Marshalsea debtors’ prison, and
bureaucratic inefficiency. The novel kicks off with the
introduction of William Dorrit, the oldest prisoner in the
Marshalsea prison, who is also referred to as The Father of the
Marshalsea. His imprisonment is owed to poor business decisions,
which have secured him a place in the debtors’ prison in London.
Here he shares accommodation with his wife and children Fanny and
Tip, and later the Dorrits welcome their second daughter Amy, who
is born inside the prison and is incidentally the Dorrit of the
title. The eponymous Little Dorrit grows to become a meek and
benevolent young woman who despite her poor financial state,
unselfishly takes care of her whole family without the slightest
complaint. At the same time the novel welcomes Arthur Clennam, a
somewhat idle man in his forties, who has just returned to London
following his father’s death after years abroad on family business.
Returning to see his mother, a cold and bitter woman, Arthur
intends to discuss some details concerning their family business.
Troubled by his family’s past, Arthur is determined to uncover the
truth behind their fortune. Later, he becomes acquainted with Amy
Dorrit, and a special friendship develops between the two, as
Arthur sees it as his duty to take the young woman under his
protection and unravel the mysterious past surrounding both their
families. Consequently, the novel observes the mysterious
intertwinement between the two families, as their carefully kept
secrets slowly come to light. Nevertheless, Little Dorrit offers a
colorful set of characters, a gripping central plot, and several
subplots which essentially bring about the notion of redemption.
Moreover, it serves as a vivid example to support the idea that
anyone is able to reverse their fortune and bring down the
invisible walls that seem to confine one to their self-condemned
imprisonment. A classic tale depicting Victorian England with its
bleak shortcomings and enduring hope, Little Dorrit enthralls with
its convoluted relationships, twists and a plethora of characters
and subplots, which essentially makes the lengthy novel a pleasure
to devour.
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