Dombey and Son · Chapter
Dombey and Son explained
Mr.
What happens
Mr. Dombey rejoices in the birth of his son, Paul, as the fulfillment of his life's ambition to perpetuate the family firm, Dombey and Son. He dismisses his daughter Florence as insignificant, while his wife lies gravely ill. Mrs. Chick and Miss Tox celebrate the event, but Mrs. Dombey's health declines, and she clings to Florence in her final moments.
Themes in this chapter
Pride and Ambition
Mr. Dombey's obsession with Dombey and Son and his view of his son as a destiny to be fulfilled.
Family and Neglect
Mr. Dombey's coldness toward Florence and his wife, prioritizing the firm over familial bonds.
Wealth and Morality
The moral emptiness of Mr. Dombey's world, where wealth and status overshadow human affection.
Love and Sacrifice
Florence's desperate love for her mother and Mrs. Dombey's silent sacrifice in a loveless marriage.
Characters to notice
- Mr. Dombey
Exults in the birth of his son, viewing him as the heir to Dombey and Son, and shows cold indifference to his wife and daughter.
- Paul Dombey
The newborn son, referred to as 'Son' and 'this young gentleman,' destined to carry on the family firm.
- Florence Dombey
The six-year-old daughter, dismissed by her father as 'a piece of base coin,' but clings desperately to her dying mother.
- Fanny
Mrs. Dombey, the sick mother, who lies in bed with little hope of recovery, holding Florence close.
- Mrs. Chick
Mr. Dombey's sister, who praises the birth and attempts to rouse Fanny from her lethargy.
- Miss Tox
A friend of Mrs. Chick, who admires Mr. Dombey's dignity and has prepared a 'Welcome, little Dombey' device.
- Doctor Peps
A court physician attending Mrs. Dombey, noting her lack of strength.
- Mr. Pilkins
The family surgeon, who has promoted the case and defers to Doctor Peps.
Key passages
“The earth was made for Dombey and Son to trade in, and the sun and moon were made to give them light.”
Mr. Dombey believes the entire universe exists to serve his business interests.
Highlights Mr. Dombey's megalomaniacal worldview.
“But what was a girl to Dombey and Son! In the capital of the House's name and dignity, such a child was merely a piece of base coin that couldn't be invested—a bad Boy—nothing more.”
Florence is worthless in Mr. Dombey's eyes because she cannot inherit the family business.
Illustrates the theme of family and neglect.
“Dombey and Son had often dealt in hides, but never in hearts. They left that fancy ware to boys and girls, and boarding-schools and books.”
The firm trades in practical goods, not emotions, which are dismissed as childish.
Shows the cold, commercial nature of Mr. Dombey's values.