The Story of Little Dorrit*
Little Dorrit is a novel by Charles Dickens that tells the story of a young woman named Little Dorrit who is born in a debtor's prison in London. Her father, Arthur Clennam, returns to England after spending several years in a Marshalsea debtor's prison and becomes obsessed with finding his daughter and learning about her life. Along the way, he encounters various characters, including the beautiful and mysterious Amy Dorrit, who is Little Dorrit's mother, and the corrupt and cruel Magistrate of the prison, Mr. Tickell. Through their stories, Dickens explores themes of poverty, injustice, and redemption.
By Charles Dickens · First published 1857 · Genre: Historical Fiction, Social Criticism, Romance · 2 chapters · 10,292 words
First lines
Some years ago when the laws of England were harsher than they are now, there were debtors' prisons, or big, gloomy jails into which men were put, if they couldn't pay what they owed. This was cruel and unjust, for the prisoner was of course cut off from the chance to earn any more money; and so he might linger there for years or even his whole life long, if some friend did not come to his relief. But otherwise the prisoner was given many liberties not found in ordinary jails. His family might live with him, if they chose, and come and go as they pleased.
What this Textopian page supports
The Story of Little Dorrit* is listed on Textopian as a novel by Charles Dickens, dated 1857 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Novel
- Author: Charles Dickens
- Date: 1857 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Historical Fiction, Social Criticism, Romance, Satire, Bildungsroman
- Length: 10,292 words
- Structure: 2 chapters, 249 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for The Story of Little Dorrit* by Charles Dickens
- Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
- Readability and classroom-planning context
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Discussion starters
- What should a reader notice first when entering The Story of Little Dorrit*?
- How does this novel by Charles Dickens fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Historical Fiction first become important in the reading?
Similar titles
- Little Dorrit by Charles Dickens
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- Tales From Dickens Our Mutual Friend by Charles Dickens
Genres
- Historical Fiction — The Story of Little Dorrit is set in the 19th century and offers a detailed socio-economic commentary of the time, making it a work of Historical Fiction.
- Social Criticism — The novel critiques the flaws of criminality, class structure, and bureaucracy present in Dickens's contemporary society.
- Romance — The plot involves interpersonal relationships and love stories, representing the genre of romance.
- Satire — Dickens' critiques of society are often presented in a humorous or ironical manner, making it a satirical novel.
Tags
Victorian · social criticism · class struggle · imprisonment · family · poverty · love · redemption · identity · corruption · government · industrialization
Contents
- THE CHILD OF THE MARSHALSEA
- HOW THE PRISON GATES WERE OPENED