Little Dorrit, Book 2: Riches, Chapter 3 summary
Book 2: Riches, Chapter 3 of 70 · 26 min to read the chapter
In Chapter 3, the Dorrit family rebukes Amy for helping Mrs Gowan, descends from the mountains, and encounters Mrs Merdle before continuing to Venice. Their wealth brings ceremony and social pleasure, but Amy loses her familiar work of caring for her father and feels that only her prison memories are real.
What happens
- At breakfast, Fanny, Edward, and Mr Dorrit condemn Amy's kindness to Mrs Gowan and her continued attachment to Clennam.
- The family descends from the convent, while Frederick shows Amy conspicuous respect and angrily challenges a neglectful footman.
- At Martigny, Mr Dorrit threatens to leave the inn because strangers occupy one of his reserved rooms.
- Mrs Merdle accepts responsibility and appeases Mr Dorrit, while Mr Sparkler stares at Fanny, whose spirits rise after the encounter.
- As the family travels through Italy, Amy feels displaced because her father forbids her customary services to him.
- In Venice, Amy avoids festivities, takes solitary gondola trips, and watches the canal while imagining her former prison life.
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In this chapter
What to notice
The sentence captures Amy's estrangement from wealth. Her memories retain substance while travel and luxury feel like a dream.
Quick check
Why does Mr Dorrit forbid Amy to perform her old services for him?
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