Little Dorrit, Book 2: Riches, Chapter 8 summary
Book 2: Riches, Chapter 8 of 70 · 20 min to read the chapter
In Chapter 8, Arthur Clennam persuades Daniel Doyce to let him renew the struggle for official recognition of his invention, while feeling deeply separated from Little Dorrit. At the Meagles cottage, the Dowager Mrs. Gowan insists that her son’s marriage disadvantages him and breaks off relations with his wife’s parents despite their protests.
What happens
- Doyce and Clennam prosper, but Doyce still studies the invention that official obstruction forces him to abandon.
- After several evenings of explanation, Arthur gains Doyce’s reluctant consent to approach the Circumlocution Office again.
- Arthur misses Little Dorrit and reads her letter as evidence that her family rejects his connection with their imprisonment.
- During a winter visit, Mrs. Gowan excuses Henry’s spending and treats his marriage as a sacrifice.
- Mr. Meagles challenges her account, and Arthur confirms that he opposes the marriage before it takes place.
- Mrs. Gowan declares their different backgrounds incompatible, leaves, and tells acquaintances that the Meagleses try to capture Henry.
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In this chapter
What to notice
Arthur turns sympathy into action. His commitment restarts the official struggle that Doyce wants to leave behind.
Quick check
What does Arthur confirm when Mrs. Gowan appeals to him during the dispute?
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