Little Dorrit, Book 2: Riches, Chapter 19 summary

What happens

1. William Dorrit arrives late in Rome and resents the closeness between Amy and Frederick while denying his own exhaustion.
2. He repeatedly falls asleep, blames Frederick for weakness, and hints at personal affection for Mrs General.
3. At Mrs Merdle’s dinner, he calls for Bob and addresses the guests as visitors to the Marshalsea.
4. Amy brings him home, where he recognizes prison surroundings rather than his palace and depends on her care.
5. He imagines pawning his possessions, weakens, and dies after Amy watches over him for ten days.
6. Frederick comforts and blesses Amy, then dies kneeling beside William’s bed during the night.

In this chapter

What to notice

Amy’s concern rests with her father rather than the social disgrace of his speech. Her response contrasts with the guests’ embarrassed withdrawal.

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