Dickens' Little Dorrit is known as a novel of physical and metaphorical imprisonment. Almost every character and especially all the main characters, such as Amy Dorrit and Arthur Clennam, suffer under some kind of inner or/ and outer imprisonment.1 Therefore it is hard to find a truly free female character in Little Dorrit. However, in this paper I will argue that Flora Finching is the only free female character in Little Dorrit, who pursues her own longings and needs regardless of conventions or other people's opinions and is therefore not as imprisoned as everyone else.
Inhaltsverzeichnis (Table of Contents)
- I. Introduction
- II. Flora's Character
- 1. Being Flora
- 2. Flora and Mr. F's Aunt
- III. Conclusion
Zielsetzung und Themenschwerpunkte (Objectives and Key Themes)
This paper aims to demonstrate that Flora Finching, a seemingly minor character in Dickens' Little Dorrit, is uniquely free among the novel's female characters. It challenges the common categorization of Dickens' female characters into stereotypical roles, arguing that Flora's actions are driven by her own desires and are not constrained by societal expectations.
- Flora Finching's unconventional freedom within Victorian societal constraints.
- The analysis of Flora's character through her language, behavior, and relationships.
- The exploration of Flora as a complex figure beyond the typical comic relief stereotype.
- Flora's relationship with Arthur Clennam and its implications for her independence.
- Flora's unique social standing as a widow and its contribution to her freedom.
Zusammenfassung der Kapitel (Chapter Summaries)
I. Introduction: This introductory chapter establishes the central argument that Flora Finching is the only truly free female character in Dickens' Little Dorrit, a novel largely defined by themes of imprisonment. It challenges the common tendency to categorize Dickens' female characters into simplistic archetypes (evil, fallen, angelic, comic), arguing that such classifications oversimplify the complexity of these characters. The introduction highlights the critical neglect of Flora, often dismissed as mere comic relief, and lays out the paper's methodology: examining Flora's language, behavior, and relationships to reveal her underlying freedom and independence. The chapter establishes the surprising thesis and outlines the subsequent argumentative structure focusing on Flora's behavior, her relationship with Mr. F's aunt, and her development and resilience following Arthur's rejection.
II. Flora's Character: This chapter delves into a detailed examination of Flora Finching's character, exploring her actions and motivations. It begins by discussing her social status as a widowed woman, which grants her a degree of independence unusual for Victorian women. The chapter argues that Flora's actions, particularly her interactions with Arthur Clennam, are driven by her own desires, not by societal expectations. Her self-awareness of her flaws ("I know, I am dreadful," Dickens 143) doesn't deter her from pursuing her own desires, emphasizing her free will. The chapter uses examples, such as Flora's physical contact with Arthur, to illustrate her autonomy. The section also briefly touches on Flora's relationship with Mr. F's aunt. Overall, this chapter paints a picture of Flora as an independent and free-spirited woman who transcends typical societal expectations and stereotypes.
Schlüsselwörter (Keywords)
Flora Finching, Little Dorrit, Charles Dickens, Victorian literature, female characters, freedom, independence, comic relief, stereotype, social status, widowhood, relationships, language, behavior.
Frequently Asked Questions: Analysis of Flora Finching in Charles Dickens' *Little Dorrit*
What is the main argument of this paper?
The paper argues that Flora Finching, a seemingly minor character in Dickens' Little Dorrit, is uniquely free among the novel's female characters. It challenges the typical categorization of Dickens' female characters into stereotypical roles, demonstrating that Flora's actions are driven by her own desires and are not constrained by societal expectations.
What are the key themes explored in the analysis of Flora Finching?
Key themes include Flora Finching's unconventional freedom within Victorian societal constraints; analysis of her character through her language, behavior, and relationships; exploring her as a complex figure beyond the typical comic relief stereotype; her relationship with Arthur Clennam and its implications for her independence; and her unique social standing as a widow and its contribution to her freedom.
How does the paper analyze Flora Finching's character?
The analysis examines Flora's language, behavior, and relationships to reveal her underlying freedom and independence. It uses examples from the novel to illustrate her autonomy and her pursuit of her own desires, despite societal expectations and her self-awareness of her flaws. Her social status as a widow, providing unusual independence for a Victorian woman, is also a key element of the analysis.
What is the structure of the paper?
The paper is structured into three main sections: an introduction establishing the central argument and methodology; a main section delving into a detailed examination of Flora's character, exploring her actions and motivations through her interactions with Arthur Clennam and Mr. F's aunt; and a conclusion (implied). Chapter summaries provide a detailed overview of each section's content.
What are some key examples used in the analysis?
The analysis uses examples such as Flora's physical contact with Arthur Clennam to illustrate her autonomy and her self-awareness of her flaws ("I know, I am dreadful," Dickens 143) to highlight her free will and independent decision-making. Her relationship with Mr. F's aunt is also briefly discussed.
What is the significance of Flora's social status as a widow?
Flora's status as a widow is crucial to the argument. It provides her with a degree of independence unusual for Victorian women, contributing significantly to her freedom and ability to act according to her own desires rather than societal pressures.
Why is this analysis important?
This analysis is important because it challenges common interpretations of Dickens' female characters, moving beyond simplistic archetypes to reveal a more complex and nuanced understanding of Flora Finching and her role within the novel. It highlights a frequently overlooked character and offers a fresh perspective on female agency in Victorian literature.
What are the keywords associated with this analysis?
Keywords include Flora Finching, Little Dorrit, Charles Dickens, Victorian literature, female characters, freedom, independence, comic relief, stereotype, social status, widowhood, relationships, language, and behavior.
- Quote paper
- Anonym (Author), 2011, Flora Finching: the Only Free Woman in "Little Dorrit" by Charles Dickens, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/171276
