Tales From Dickens: LITTLE DORRIT

Name: Tales From Dickens: LITTLE DORRIT
Author: Charles Dickens

In London, a young man named Clennam, raised by a harsh uncle, is forced into a loveless marriage with a cold woman. He had previously fallen in love with a talented singer, also an orphan, but their relationship is thwarted by his uncle's oppressive control. The singer sacrifices her love to protect Clennam from poverty, leading to a life of regret for both. Clennam's wife discovers evidence of his past love and, driven by jealousy, coerces the singer into giving up their child, Arthur, raising him as her own while hiding the truth. Clennam's life is dominated by his wife's bitterness and the oppressive atmosphere of their home, where he grows up in silence and fear. After years, Clennam's uncle dies, leaving money intended for the singer, which his wife conceals. Clennam is sent to China with his father, who eventually dies, passing on a watch with a note urging Clennam to remember the past wrongs. Upon returning to London, Clennam confronts his mother about his father's death, but her rage reveals her guilt. Determined to forge his own path, Clennam rejects the family business, further straining his relationship with his unforgiving mother, who partners with the unscrupulous Flintwinch instead.

By Charles Dickens · First published 1857 · Genre: Classic Literature, Social Commentary Fiction, Drama · 5 chapters · 8,595 words

First lines

A long, long time ago there lived in London a young man named Clennam. He was an orphan, and was brought up by a stern uncle, who crushed and repressed his youth and finally forced him to marry a cold, unfeeling, stubborn woman whom he did not in the least love.

Some time before this marriage, the nephew had met a beautiful young woman, also an orphan, whom a rich man named Dorrit was educating to be a singer, since she had a remarkable voice. Clennam had fallen in love with her and had persuaded her to give him all her love in return. There had even been a kind of ceremony of marriage between them.

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Tales From Dickens: LITTLE DORRIT is listed on Textopian as a novel by Charles Dickens, dated 1857 CE.

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Work type: Novel
Author: Charles Dickens
Date: 1857 CE
Language: English
Genres: Classic Literature, Social Commentary Fiction, Drama, Romance, Psychological Fiction
Length: 8,595 words
Structure: 5 chapters, 124 paragraphs
Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)

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Similar titles

Genres

Classic Literature — It originates from the 19th century and is distinguished by its eloquent style and deep character exploration.
Social Commentary Fiction — This novel offers a multilayered critique of Victorian society, particularly centered around the debtors' prison system.
Drama — The storyline focuses on the struggles of the protagonist, invoking intense emotion from the audience.
Romance — A subplot involves a deep and complex romantic relationship, presenting love in the face of societal constraints and personal hardships.