Little Dorrit, Book 2: Riches, Chapter 31 summary
Book 2: Riches, Chapter 31 of 70 · 16 min to read the chapter
In Chapter 31, Mrs. Clennam reaches Little Dorrit, admits withholding what belongs to her, and asks her to keep Arthur ignorant unless disclosure benefits him. Little Dorrit forgives her and accompanies her home, where the house collapses, kills the foreigner, and leaves Mrs. Clennam unable to move or speak.
What happens
- A young prison worker rescues Mrs. Clennam from a mocking crowd and takes her to Little Dorrit.
- Little Dorrit reads the papers, forgives Mrs. Clennam, and conditionally agrees to keep the truth from Arthur.
- Mrs. Clennam defends her harsh treatment of Arthur, while Little Dorrit urges compassion rather than religious vengeance.
- Little Dorrit accompanies Mrs. Clennam home to confront the man demanding payment, but the house collapses before they enter.
- Mrs. Clennam loses movement and speech, Affery cares for her, and diggers recover the foreigner's crushed body.
- The search finds no Flintwinch; his financial dealings emerge, and reports place him in the Netherlands under another name.
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In this chapter
What to notice
Little Dorrit refuses to make forgiveness depend on Mrs. Clennam's humiliating posture. Her response directly contrasts with Mrs. Clennam's defense of punishment.
Quick check
What condition governs Little Dorrit's promise to keep the secret from Arthur?
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