Little Dorrit, Book 2: Riches, Chapter 1 summary

What happens

1. Three traveling parties gather at the Great Saint Bernard convent after a cold mountain journey.
2. Blandois courts the Dorrit party’s attention, while Henry Gowan rebukes Edward Dorrit for blocking the fire.
3. Mrs. Henry Gowan faints, and her husband carries her away with help from the Dorrit sisters.
4. At supper, Gowan mocks popular rescue stories, and William Dorrit retreats from a discussion of confinement.
5. Amy visits Mrs. Gowan, delivers a private introductory letter, and promises to report her health and happiness.
6. Blandois escorts the frightened Amy downstairs, drinks by the fire, and adds his name to the travelers’ register.

In this chapter

What to notice

The host’s explanation unsettles William. His quick refusal to continue makes confinement a sensitive subject beneath his display of wealth.

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