Little Dorrit

"Little Dorrit" by Charles Dickens is a novel written in the mid-19th century. The story delves into themes of poverty, societal injustice, and the constraints of the prison system as it follows the life of Amy Dorrit, affectionately known as Little Dorrit, who grows up in the Marshalsea debtors' prison, where her father has been incarcerated. The narrative showcases the complex interplay of wealth and class, capturing the struggles of those ensnared by financial and institutional oppression. At the start of the book, we are introduced to the oppressive atmosphere of a scorching day in Marseilles, where two prisoners are confined in a grimy cell. One prisoner, Monsieur Rigaud, is noted for his sinister and cruel demeanor, while his fellow inmate, John Baptist Cavalletto, is portrayed as a lively yet humble man. Their interactions reveal the stark differences in their characters and the looming trial that awaits Rigaud. The chapter sets the tone for the themes of entrapment and societal critique, establishing a vivid backdrop against which the emotional and moral complexities of the characters will unfold throughout the novel. As the narrative progresses, it hints at the rich tapestry of lives that will intersect beyond the walls of the prison, particularly focusing on Little Dorrit's singular journey shaped by both love and adversity. (This is an automatically generated summary.)

Charles John Huffam Dickens was an English novelist, journalist, short story writer and social critic. He created some of literature's best-known fictional characters, and is regarded by many as the greatest novelist of the Victorian era. His works enjoyed unprecedented popularity during his lifetime and, by the 20th century, critics and scholars had recognised him as a literary genius. His novels and short stories are widely read today.