Little Dorrit

By Charles Dickens

“Little Dorrit” is a classic novel by Charles Dickens that employs a range of literary devices to create a powerful and memorable story. Through vivid characterization, intricate plotlines, and masterful use of symbolism and irony, Dickens brings to life the story of Amy Dorrit and her family as they navigate the complex social hierarchies of Victorian England. With its themes of love, greed, and redemption, “Little Dorrit” remains a timeless work of literature that continues to captivate readers today.

Themes 📚

1. Social Injustice: The novel explores the effects of the rigid class system in Victorian England, as seen in the struggles of the Dorrit family and the harsh treatment of the poor. Dickens uses this theme to critique the class divisions of his time and to advocate for social reform.
2. Love and Sacrifice: The theme of love and sacrifice is explored through the relationships between the characters, such as the love between Arthur Clennam and Little Dorrit, and the sacrifices made by the characters for the ones they love.
3. Imprisonment and Freedom: The novel explores the theme of imprisonment and freedom, as seen in the physical and metaphorical prisons that the characters find themselves in. Dickens uses this theme to explore the human desire for freedom and the ways in which society can limit it.
4. Wealth and Greed: The novel examines the corrupting influence of wealth and the greed that drives many of the characters. This theme is used to critique the values of Victorian society and to explore the dangers of materialism.
5. Self-Deception: The novel explores the theme of self-deception, as seen in the characters’ inability to see themselves and their situations clearly. This theme is used to critique the illusions that people create for themselves and to explore the power of self-delusion.
6. Shame and Reputation: The novel explores the themes of shame and reputation, as seen in the way the characters are judged by their social status and reputation. Dickens uses this theme to critique the social pressures of Victorian England and to explore the ways in which shame can be used to control people.
7. Redemption and Forgiveness: The novel explores the theme of redemption and forgiveness, as seen in the character arcs of Arthur Clennam and William Dorrit. This theme is used to highlight the power of redemption and the possibility of personal growth.
8. Irony: The novel employs irony to critique Victorian society and to add humor to the story. For example, the character of Mrs. General, who claims to be an expert in manners, is herself extremely rude and haughty.
9. Power and Corruption: The novel explores the themes of power and corruption, as seen in the way that the powerful characters manipulate and exploit the weaker ones. This theme is used to critique the corruption of the ruling class and to explore the ways in which power can be abused.
10. Loyalty and Betrayal: The novel explores the theme of loyalty and betrayal, as seen in the relationships between the characters. This theme is used to explore the nature of trust and to examine the consequences of betrayal.

Use of Literary Devices ✍🏽

1. Irony: Dickens employs irony to critique Victorian society and to add humor to the story. For example, the character of Mrs. General, who claims to be an expert in manners, is herself extremely rude and haughty.
2. Symbolism: The novel uses a range of symbols, such as the Marshalsea prison and the Circumlocution Office, to convey deeper meaning and to highlight key themes. These symbols also add depth and complexity to the narrative.
3. Foreshadowing: The novel makes use of foreshadowing to hint at future events and to create a sense of anticipation. This literary device adds to the tension and suspense of the story and keeps the reader engaged.
4. Characterization: Dickens is known for his masterful characterization, and “Little Dorrit” is no exception. The novel features a wide cast of characters, each with their own unique personalities, motivations, and quirks.
5. Satire: The novel uses satire to critique various aspects of Victorian society, such as the legal system and the treatment of the poor. This literary device allows the author to comment on the social issues of the time and to critique the flaws of the society in which the story takes place.
6. Imagery: The novel makes use of vivid imagery to bring the settings and characters to life. For example, the descriptions of the Marshalsea prison and the bustling city streets are highly evocative.
7. Metaphor: Dickens employs metaphor to convey complex ideas and emotions. For example, the metaphor of the prison walls as a “moral quarantine” highlights the theme of imprisonment and freedom.
8. Narrative Structure: The novel features a complex narrative structure, with multiple plotlines and flashbacks. This literary device adds depth and complexity to the story and allows the reader to see the characters and events from different angles.
9. Repetition: The novel uses repetition to emphasize key themes and to create a sense of rhythm and pattern. For example, the repeated references to the Marshalsea prison highlight its importance to the story.
10. Allusion: The novel makes use of allusions to historical and literary figures, such as Napoleon and Shakespeare, to add depth and richness to the story. This literary device allows the author to connect the story to larger cultural and historical contexts.

Examples of Literary Devices 📋

1. Symbolism

Example	Explanation
The Marshalsea Prison	The Marshalsea Prison is a symbol of confinement and restriction, representing the societal and personal prisons that many of the characters find themselves in.
Money	Money in “Little Dorrit” is symbolic of both freedom and bondage, depending on the context. It can provide liberation from debt and poverty, but it can also be the root of corruption, greed, and moral decay.
Mounds of the Dorrit family	The mounds of the Dorrit family symbolize their past poverty and their desire to forget it. They are a physical embodiment of the family’s shame and social stigma.

2. Foreshadowing

Example	Explanation
Rigaud’s malicious behavior	Rigaud’s early malicious behavior foreshadows his later actions in the novel, including his scheme to blackmail Mrs. Clennam.
Mr. Merdle’s discomfort	Mr. Merdle’s consistent discomfort and agitation foreshadow his eventual suicide, revealing his inability to cope with his fraudulent actions.
The mysterious noise in the House of Clennam	The unexplained noise foreshadows the eventual revelation of Arthur Clennam’s real mother and Mrs. Clennam’s dark secret.

3. Irony

Example	Explanation
The Dorrits’ newfound wealth	Despite achieving wealth and status, the Dorrits are more miserable and imprisoned than when they were in the Marshalsea. This situation is deeply ironic, subverting the idea of wealth as freedom.
The Circumlocution Office	The Circumlocution Office is supposed to help the public, but instead it hinders progress and promotes bureaucracy, demonstrating a biting irony.
Mrs. Clennam’s piety	Mrs. Clennam appears to be a pious woman, but she hides a dark secret and is a source of manipulation and deceit, embodying irony in her character.

4. Satire

Example	Explanation
The Circumlocution Office	The Circumlocution Office satirizes the inefficiency and corruption of government bureaucracy.
Society’s treatment of the Dorrits	The change in society’s treatment of the Dorrits after they become wealthy is a satire of class consciousness and superficiality.
The Merdles’ social success	Despite Mr. Merdle being a fraud and his wife being shallow, they are hailed as paragons of society, satirizing societal values.

5. Allusion

Example	Explanation
References to the Bible	Dickens frequently alludes to the Bible, highlighting the themes of morality, guilt, and redemption.
References to mythology	References to mythology, such as the “Cassandra” prophecy, add depth to the narrative and provide cultural context.
References to historical events	Historical events such as the French Revolution and the Crimean War are alluded to, grounding the story in its historical context.

FAQs 💭