Little Dorrit by Charles Dickens. Summary of the book.

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Little Dorrit by Charles Dickens

Introduction

Little Dorrit is a novel written by the famous English author Charles Dickens and first published in 1857. The novel is a complex and dark satire of the Victorian era and its social and economic problems. It follows the fortunes of the Dorrit family, and in particular, Little Dorrit, the youngest daughter, who is the main protagonist of the novel.

Plot Summary

The story begins with the introduction of Arthur Clennam, who returns to London after a long absence. He meets Little Dorrit, a seamstress who cares for her father, William Dorrit, a debt-ridden prisoner in the Marshalsea prison. She has been supporting her father since childhood, while also working as a seamstress. Arthur quickly develops an admiration for Little Dorrit and begins to help her and her family.

Arthur’s mother, Mrs. Clennam, is a cruel and controlling woman. She reveals to Arthur that his father had been involved in a mysterious business involving the Dorrits before his death. Further investigations reveal that William Dorrit is a secret heir to a great fortune and is released from prison. Little Dorrit and her family become wealthy and move into a large estate.

Meanwhile, Arthur discovers that Little Dorrit is in love with another man, the wealthy and handsome James Gowan. He realizes that he has no chance of winning her love and decides to leave the country. Little Dorrit is heartbroken when she learns of Arthur’s decision and decides to follow him.

The novel ends with Arthur and Little Dorrit married and living happily together in Italy. Little Dorrit’s father is also reconciled with his long-lost son, and they all live together in Italy.

Main Teachings

  • The importance of family: Little Dorrit is willing to sacrifice her own happiness for her family, and the novel emphasizes the importance of family ties.
  • The power of money: The novel shows how money can bring both happiness and misery. The Dorrits become wealthy, but it does not bring them the happiness and contentment they had hoped for.
  • The power of love: The novel emphasizes the power of love, and how it can conquer all obstacles. In the end, Little Dorrit and Arthur’s love transcends their differences and allows them to be together.

Interesting Facts

  • The novel was written over a period of six years and was initially published in monthly installments.
  • It is believed that the character of Little Dorrit was based on Dickens’ own sister, Fanny.
  • The novel was adapted into a BBC miniseries in 2008, starring Claire Foy and Matthew Macfadyen.
  • The novel was the inspiration for the musical Little Dorrit the Musical, which premiered in London in 2015.
  • The novel was adapted into a feature film in 1988, starring Derek Jacobi and Eleanor Bron.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. Who wrote Little Dorrit?

The novel was written by the famous English author Charles Dickens and first published in 1857.

Q. What is the story about?

The novel follows the fortunes of the Dorrit family, and in particular, Little Dorrit, the youngest daughter. It is a complex and dark satire of the Victorian era and its social and economic problems.

Q. Who is the main character?

The main character of the novel is Little Dorrit, the youngest daughter of the Dorrit family. She is a seamstress who cares for her father, William Dorrit, a debt-ridden prisoner in the Marshalsea prison.

Q. What are the main teachings of the novel?

The main teachings of the novel are the importance of family, the power of money, and the power of love.

Q. Has the novel been adapted into film or television?

Yes, the novel has been adapted into a BBC miniseries in 2008, starring Claire Foy and Matthew Macfadyen, as well as a feature film in 1988, starring Derek Jacobi and Eleanor Bron. It was also the inspiration for the musical Little Dorrit the Musical, which premiered in London in 2015.

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