Little Dorrit. By Charles Dickens FULL Audiobook
"Little Dorrit" is a novel by Charles Dickens, originally published in serial form between 1855 and 1857. The story revolves around the life of the titular character, Amy Dorrit, and her family's struggles with poverty and social status in Victorian England.
Here's a detailed summary:
1. Setting and Characters:
The novel begins in Marseille around 1826. The notorious murderer Rigaud narrates to his prison cellmate, John Baptist Cavalletto, how he killed his wife before being taken to trial.
Arthur Clennam, a businessman, is detained in quarantine in Marseille. He befriends the merchants Mr. and Mrs. Meagles, their spoiled daughter Pet, and their orphaned maid, Harriet Beadle (nicknamed Tattycoram).
Another traveler, Miss Wade, takes an interest in the rebellious Tattycoram.
Arthur has spent the last twenty years in China with his father, handling family business. Now he returns to London to see his mother, Mrs. Clennam.
Meanwhile, William Dorrit, imprisoned as a debtor, has been in the Marshalsea debtors' prison for over two decades. He has three children: Edward (Tip), Fanny, and Amy (Little Dorrit).
2. Themes and Critique:
Debt and Imprisonment: The novel explores the injustices of the English legal system, particularly the institution of debtors' prison. Amy Dorrit is born and raised in the Marshalsea, where her father is imprisoned.
Social Class: Dickens satirizes the British class system, highlighting the stark stratification of society.
Circumlocution Office: The fictional "Circumlocution Office" represents the impotent bureaucracy of the British government.
Mrs. Clennam's Secret: Arthur Clennam's father gives him a watch with a mysterious message inside, which Mrs. Clennam refuses to reveal.
Arthur's Resolve: Arthur decides not to continue in the family business and seeks new opportunities.
3. Plot Developments:
Amy Dorrit's life unfolds within the confines of the Marshalsea. She encounters Arthur Clennam, who returns home after a long absence.
The novel delves into the lives of various characters, their connections, and their struggles against poverty, pride, and societal norms.
As secrets unravel, relationships shift, and fortunes change, the characters navigate love, betrayal, and redemption.
In summary, "Little Dorrit" masterfully portrays the complexities of human nature, societal constraints, and the enduring spirit of resilience in the face of adversity. Dickens's vivid characters and sharp critique make this novel a timeless exploration of the human condition .
More: Marshalsea, Debtors' prison, Shady financiers
Banking collapses, Amy Dorrit, Arthur Clennam
Government satire, Neglect, Irresponsibility
Ruin, Compassion, Victorian England
Social indictment, Love story, London
00:00:00 Preface to the 1857 Edition
00:05:04 Book the First: Poverty. Chapter 1 - Sun and Shadow
00:42:31 Book 1, Chapter 2 - Fellow Travellers
01:16:58 Book 1, Chapter 3 - Home
01:53:05 Book 1, Chapter 4 - Mrs Flintwinch has a Dream
02:01:44 Book 1, Chapter 5 - Family Affairs
02:32:44 Book 1, Chapter 6 - The Father of the Marshalsea
03:01:04 Book 1, Chapter 7 - The Child of the Marshalsea
03:29:47 Book 1, Chapter 8 - The Lock
03:59:42 Book 1, Chapter 9 - Little Mother
04:35:38 Book 1, Chapter 10 - Containing the whole Science of Government
05:29:03 Book 1, Chapter 11 - Let Loose
05:56:31 Book 1, Chapter 12 - Bleeding Heart Yard
06:21:15 Book 1, Chapter 13 - Patriarchal
07:22:12 Book 1, Chapter 14 - Little Dorrit's Party
07:54:01 Book 1, Chapter 15 - Mrs Flintwinch has another Dream
08:17:53 Book 1, Chapter 16 - Nobody’s Weakness
08:54:22 Book 1, Chapter 17 - Nobody’s Rival
09:19:09 Book 1, Chapter 18 - Little Dorrit’s Lover
09:46:13 Book 1, Chapter 19 - The Father of the Marshalsea in two or three Relations
10:18:25 Book 1, Chapter 20 - Moving in Society
10:55:23 Book 1, Chapter 21 - Mr Merdle’s Complaint
11:18:59 Book 1, Chapter 22 - A Puzzle
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