Little Dorrit, Chapter 5 summary
Chapter 5 of 70 · Book 1: Poverty · 19 min to read the chapter
In Chapter 5, Arthur Clennam leaves the family business and asks whether his father leaves behind an unpaid moral debt, but Mrs. Clennam threatens to disown him for raising the question. Jeremiah Flintwinch becomes her partner, Arthur moves to a coffeehouse, and his growing curiosity about Little Dorrit leads him to investigate her life.
What happens
- Arthur tells his mother that the declining business no longer suits him and that he gives up his interest to her.
- He asks whether his father's final distress points to an injury that the family ought to repair.
- Mrs. Clennam angrily rejects his suspicions, threatens disownment, and summons Jeremiah Flintwinch, who also warns Arthur against blaming his father.
- Mrs. Clennam makes Flintwinch her partner, then refuses her oysters as an added act of self-denial.
- Arthur learns about Little Dorrit's needlework and solitary meals, explores the decaying house, and chooses lodging at a coffeehouse.
- After about a fortnight of business meetings, Arthur resolves to watch Little Dorrit and discover her story.
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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.
Quick check
What does Arthur decide to do about Little Dorrit?
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