Little Dorrit, Chapter 5 summary

What happens

1. Arthur tells his mother that the declining business no longer suits him and that he gives up his interest to her.
2. He asks whether his father's final distress points to an injury that the family ought to repair.
3. Mrs. Clennam angrily rejects his suspicions, threatens disownment, and summons Jeremiah Flintwinch, who also warns Arthur against blaming his father.
4. Mrs. Clennam makes Flintwinch her partner, then refuses her oysters as an added act of self-denial.
5. Arthur learns about Little Dorrit's needlework and solitary meals, explores the decaying house, and chooses lodging at a coffeehouse.
6. After about a fortnight of business meetings, Arthur resolves to watch Little Dorrit and discover her story.

In this chapter

What to notice

Arthur treats inherited wealth as a possible moral responsibility. His request exposes the conflict between his desire to repair harm and his mother's refusal to examine it.

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