Little Dorrit, Chapter 32 summary
Chapter 32 of 70 · Book 1: Poverty · 16 min to read the chapter
In Chapter 32, Arthur Clennam tries to comfort Little Dorrit but unknowingly hurts her by treating her as a child and declaring himself too old for love. Pancks then arrives in wild excitement and shows Arthur papers establishing a financial discovery concerning her father, though its details remain unstated.
What happens
- Arthur comforts the trembling Little Dorrit, who asks him to excuse her brother’s conduct.
- He describes his disappointed romantic hopes and insists that his age makes him suitable as her adviser, unaware of her love.
- Maggy mentions a fairy tale about a hidden secret, but Little Dorrit declines to retell it.
- Arthur offers help if Little Dorrit loves someone, and she denies having any grief outside her room and its occupants.
- Pancks arrives excitedly, hints at good fortune, and asks Arthur to follow him outside.
- With Mr Rugg, Pancks shows Arthur financial papers and a family tree, denying that their discovery involves wrongdoing.
Free for 3 months
Get the full summary of La Petite Dorrit, free
- 200,000+ classics as eBooks, audiobooks and 15-minute summaries, and print and large print at cost
- Up to 5 readers in your home on one plan
In this chapter
What to notice
The narrator makes Arthur’s misunderstanding explicit. His sincere attempts to comfort Little Dorrit hurt her because he cannot recognize her love.
Quick check
What does Pancks say when Arthur asks whether the discovery involves concealment or wrongdoing?
Free for 3 months
Get the full summary of La Petite Dorrit, free
- 200,000+ classics as eBooks, audiobooks and 15-minute summaries, and print and large print at cost
- Up to 5 readers in your home on one plan
15-minute summaries today, eBooks and audiobooks as each book opens, and printed books, large print included, at cost.
Try 3 months free
