Little Dorrit, Chapter 17 summary
Chapter 17 of 70 · Book 1: Poverty · 15 min to read the chapter
In Chapter 17, Arthur Clennam meets Henry Gowan and recognizes Pet’s attachment to him, despite Arthur’s repeated insistence that he does not love her himself. A strained Sunday visit exposes Mr. Meagles’s respect for titled connections, while Daniel Doyce confirms the parents’ concerns about a possible marriage without any engagement.
What happens
- Arthur meets Gowan and his dog at the ferry, then discovers that they are visiting the Meagles family.
- Pet welcomes Gowan warmly, while Arthur notices signs of distress in her parents.
- Gowan invites Clarence Barnacle, whose family connections delight Mr. Meagles.
- Doyce helps Arthur understand Gowan’s uncertain artistic career and dependence on powerful connections.
- Clarence fears Arthur’s questions, disrupts dinner with his eyeglass, and receives Mr. Meagles’s eager attention.
- That night, Doyce explains the parents’ objections to Gowan, and Arthur faces his unhappiness amid persistent rain.
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In this chapter
What to notice
The closing sentence follows Arthur’s elaborate denial of misery. The bleak weather reinforces the unhappiness that his denials cannot conceal.
Quick check
What does Doyce tell Arthur about Pet and Gowan?
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