Little Dorrit, Chapter 35 summary

What happens

1. Pancks explains how secret research, borrowed money, and help from Rugg and John Chivery establish Mr Dorrit’s inheritance.
2. Arthur tells Flora and Little Dorrit the news, and Little Dorrit faints before eagerly asking to visit her father.
3. At the Marshalsea, Arthur reveals the inheritance, and Mr Dorrit moves from stunned silence to tears and restless plans.
4. Mr Dorrit promises rewards, accepts Arthur’s money, and greets the cheering prisoners while worrying about his appearance.
5. Required formalities prevent his immediate departure, and he angrily protests the remaining hours before falling asleep.
6. Little Dorrit questions why imprisonment does not discharge her father’s debts, then falls asleep beside him as Arthur leaves.

In this chapter

What to notice

Little Dorrit’s sympathy makes her question the combined burden of imprisonment and repayment. Arthur sees this belief as an effect of her upbringing in prison.

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