Little Dorrit, Chapter 21 summary
Chapter 21 of 70 · Book 1: Poverty · 14 min to read the chapter
In Chapter 21, Mr Merdle hosts a grand dinner where influential guests praise his wealth and seek political support, investments, and donations in Society’s name. His discomfort contrasts with their satisfaction, and a physician’s inability to explain his complaint leaves the source of his distress uncertain.
What happens
- Mr Merdle’s wealth wins Society’s approval, while his wife displays jewels and Sparkler circulates among fashionable people.
- At the dinner, powerful guests repeat increasingly large estimates of Mr Merdle’s latest financial success.
- Treasury seeks political help, Bar recommends an estate, and Bishop requests charitable and church funding.
- Mr Merdle remains withdrawn despite the luxurious entertainment and his guests’ praise.
- A physician hears that Mr Merdle feels no better but tells Bar and Bishop he finds no physical explanation.
- The narrator contrasts the unclear complaint with the visible burden of imprisonment on the Dorrit family.
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In this chapter
What to notice
The doctor leaves Merdle’s condition unresolved. His uncertainty separates the host’s private discomfort from the confident praise surrounding him.
Quick check
What does the physician conclude about Mr Merdle’s complaint?
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