Dombey and Son · Chapter
In Which the Wooden Midshipman Gets Into Trouble explained
Walter Gay's romantic and adventurous nature is stirred by his memory of helping Florence Dombey, and he often daydreams about heroic deeds and winning her hand.
What happens
Walter Gay's romantic and adventurous nature is stirred by his memory of helping Florence Dombey, and he often daydreams about heroic deeds and winning her hand. Meanwhile, his uncle Solomon Gills is deeply despondent over the lack of customers at the instrument shop. Captain Cuttle, determined to help, proposes that Walter approach Mr. Dombey for a loan to save the business, and the two set off for Brighton to make the request.
Themes in this chapter
Love and Sacrifice
Walter's affectionate concern for his uncle and his willingness to seek help from Mr. Dombey demonstrate his readiness to sacrifice his own comfort for family.
Wealth and Morality
The financial troubles of Solomon Gills highlight the precariousness of small businesses and the moral dilemma of seeking aid from the wealthy Mr. Dombey.
Social Class and Hierarchy
Walter's awareness of his lowly position at Dombey and Son and his fantasies of rising in status reflect the rigid class distinctions of Victorian society.
Characters to notice
- Walter Gay
Daydreams about Florence and his own heroic future; worries about his uncle's depression; reluctantly agrees to approach Mr. Dombey for a loan.
- Solomon Gills
Deeply discouraged by the lack of customers; fears the shop will never recover; tries to hide his despair from Walter.
- Captain Cuttle
Eager to help Solomon; insists on backing Walter in approaching Mr. Dombey for financial assistance; carries valuables to make a good impression.
- Florence Dombey
Recalled in Walter's fond memories; they occasionally meet in the street and shake hands.
- Mr. Dombey
The intended recipient of Walter and Captain Cuttle's loan request; not present at the office, having gone to Brighton.
Key passages
“That spice of romance and love of the marvellous, of which there was a pretty strong infusion in the nature of young Walter Gay, and which the guardianship of his Uncle, old Solomon Gills, had not very much weakened by the waters of stern practical experience, was the occasion of his attaching an uncommon and delightful interest to the adventure of Florence with Good Mrs. Brown.”
Walter Gay's naturally romantic and imaginative temperament, which his uncle Solomon had not dulled with harsh reality, made him cherish the story of Florence's encounter with Good Mrs. Brown.
Introduces Walter's romantic nature and its influence on his feelings for Florence.
“I shall be past executing 'em, whenever they come, my boy. They'll never come to this shop again, till I am out of it.”
Solomon Gills despairs that orders will never return to the shop in his lifetime, suggesting he will be dead before business improves.
Shows Solomon's deep hopelessness about the shop's future.
“I'll back you, my boy. I'll back you, Wal'r. We'll go to Brighton by the afternoon's coach.”
Captain Cuttle promises to support Walter and insists they travel to Brighton together to see Mr. Dombey.
Captain Cuttle's determination to help Solomon by approaching Mr. Dombey.