Little Dorrit, Chapter 8 summary

What happens

1. Frederick Dorrit identifies the Marshalsea and brings Arthur inside, asking him not to mention Amy’s sewing to her father.
2. Arthur finds Amy preparing her own uneaten meat for William Dorrit, who receives him with elaborate dignity.
3. William describes a visitor’s concealed gift of money, and Arthur privately gives him coins before leaving.
4. Amy explains how she finds work with Mrs. Clennam, who does not know where she lives.
5. The gate closes before Arthur leaves, and Tip arranges a paid bed on tables in the Snuggery.
6. Unable to rest, Arthur imagines prison dangers and suspects an unproved connection between his parents and the Dorrits’ imprisonment.

In this chapter

What to notice

Tip explains why Amy pays extra for poor lodging inside the prison. Her choice shows how completely care for her father governs her life.

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