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Little Dorrit

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"Little Dorrit" by Charles Dickens is a novel that delves into the themes of imprisonment, both literal and metaphorical, within Victorian society. The story follows the protagonist, Amy Dorrit, and her father as they navigate the harsh realities of debtors' prisons and societal structures. Dickens weaves a tale that critiques the government, bureaucracy, and social injustices of the period, drawing on his own experiences and observations. The book is known for its vivid characters, intricate plot, and Dickens' signature satirical style that highlights the flaws and complexities of society.

Characters:

The characters are diverse and richly developed, reflecting the complexities of Victorian society and showcasing a range of virtues and vices.

Writing/Prose:

The prose is characterized by its lyrical quality and detailed character portrayals, while also incorporating satirical commentary on Victorian society and bureaucracy.

Plot/Storyline:

The narrative weaves between the lives of characters caught in societal constraints, exploring themes of imprisonment and unexpected fortune against a backdrop of Victorian bureaucracy.

Setting:

The setting is a crucial component, reflecting the stark realities of life in a debtor's prison while also traversing the broader social landscape of 19th-century England.

Pacing:

The pacing overall varies, with moments of leisurely development interspersed with more rapid resolutions of plot elements.
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Notes:

Little Dorrit is a novel by Charles Dickens, published in installments between 1855 and 1857.
The story is set primarily in the Marshalsea debtors' prison, where Dickens's father was imprisoned for debt.
The title character, Amy Dorrit, is known as 'Little Dorrit' and was born in the prison.
The plot revolves around family dynamics, social class, and the bureaucracy of Victorian England, particularly the fictional Circumlocution Office.
Dickens uses humor and satire to critique the governmental and social institutions of his time.
The novel explores themes of imprisonment, poverty, and personal responsibility.
Among its characters are Arthur Clennam, who returns to London after being away for twenty years, and Mrs. Clennam, who harbors dark family secrets.
William Dorrit, Little Dorrit's father, initially enjoys respect in prison but is later revealed to be wealthy when his missing inheritance is found.
The Circumlocution Office symbolizes the inefficiency and absurdity of government bureaucracy.
The story features several subplots, including the romantic tensions between characters and the impact of wealth on relationships.

Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings

Content warnings include themes of imprisonment, mental illness, and dysfunctional family relationships.

Has Romance?

There is a medium level of romance, primarily between Little Dorrit and Arthur Clennam.

From The Publisher:

Little Dorrit is a classic tale of imprisonment, both literal and metaphorical, while Dickens' working title for the novel, Nobody's Fault, highlights its concern with personal responsibility in private and public life. Dickens' childhood experiences inform the vivid scenes in Marshalsea debtor s prison, while his adult perceptions of governmental failures shape his satirical picture of the Circumlocution Office. The novel s range of characters - the honest, the crooked, the selfish and the self-denying - offers a portrait of society about whose values Dickens had profound doubts.

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Loved It (3)

Reader Stats (16):

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About the Author:

Charles Dickens was born in a little house in Landport, Portsea, England, on February 7, 1812. The second of eight children, he grew up in a family frequently beset by financial insecurity. When the family fortunes improved, Charles went back to…

 
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