How we cite our quotes: (Book.Chapter.Paragraph)
Quote #4
'Yes, I have always some of 'em to look up, or something to look after. But I like business,' said Pancks, getting on a little faster. 'What's a man made for? [...] What else do you suppose I think I am made for? Nothing. Rattle me out of bed early, set me going, give me as short a time as you like to bolt my meals in, and keep me at it. Keep me always at it, and I'll keep you always at it, you keep somebody else always at it. There you are with the Whole Duty of Man in a commercial country.' (1.13.114-121)
The Whole Duty of Man is a book that tries to spell out the responsibilities of a devout Christian. They are definitely not simply "keeping at" constant work. The joke here is that the duties of compassion, helping others, and the like have been replaced with a go-go-go work culture.
Quote #5
Miss Rugg was a lady of a little property which she had acquired, together with much distinction in the neighbourhood, by having her heart severely lacerated and her feelings mangled by a middle-aged baker resident in the vicinity, against whom she had, by the agency of Mr. Rugg, found it necessary to proceed at law to recover damages for a breach of promise of marriage. The baker having been, by the counsel for Miss Rugg, witheringly denounced on that occasion up to the full amount of twenty guineas, at the rate of about eighteen-pence an epithet, and having been cast in corresponding damages, still suffered occasional persecution from the youth of Pentonville. But Miss Rugg, environed by the majesty of the law, and having her damages invested in the public securities, was regarded with consideration. (1.25.3)
That's right, boys and girls – a marriage proposal back then was a legally enforceable contract. Does that change the idea of why people married each other at all? What would our life be like if similar social agreements or promises were actually legal tender?
Quote #6
'I would rather stay in my own room, Father,' returned Little Dorrit, finding it more difficult than before to regain her composure. 'I would far rather not see Mr. Clennam.'
'Oh, fie, fie, my dear, that's folly. Mr. Clennam is a very gentlemanly man--very gentlemanly. A little reserved at times; but I will say extremely gentlemanly. I couldn't think of your not being here to receive Mr. Clennam, my dear, especially this afternoon. So go and freshen yourself up, Amy; go and freshen yourself up, like a good girl.'
Thus directed, Little Dorrit dutifully rose and obeyed (1.31.65-67)
Amy is totally willing to ditch her self-regard and hop to it at her father's command. Or maybe she secretly does want to see Arthur and this is a handy excuse?