Several People Delighted, and the Game Chicken Disgusted explained

What happens

Themes in this chapter

• Love and Sacrifice

  Florence's joy in being a burden to Walter and Mr. Toots's selfless acceptance of her marriage highlight the theme of sacrificial love.

• Social Class and Hierarchy

  Florence's pride in being a 'poor disowned girl' and Mr. Toots's awkwardness reflect class distinctions and personal worth.

Characters to notice

• Florence Dombey

  Reflects on her love for Walter and her happiness in being a burden to him, expressing pride in their humble marriage.

• Walter Gay

  Plans the wedding and departure with Florence, reassuring her of his love and the richness she brings to his life.

• Mr. Toots

  Visits Florence and Walter, confesses his past love for Florence, resolves to improve himself, and decides to hear the banns read.

• Captain Cuttle

  Struggles to contain his delight at Florence and Walter's happiness, playing cribbage with Mr. Toots and Susan Nipper.

• Susan Nipper

  Accompanies Mr. Toots to church for the banns reading, offering him commiseration.

Key passages

• “I am nothing any more, that is not you. I have no earthly hope any more, that is not you. I have nothing dear to me any more, that is not you.”

  Florence tells Walter that her entire identity and happiness are now bound up in him.

  Expresses Florence's complete devotion and merging of self with Walter.

• “I shall consider it my duty as a fellow-creature generally, until I am claimed by the silent tomb, to make the best of myself, and to—to have my boots as brightly polished, as—as—circumstances will admit of.”

  Mr. Toots declares his intention to improve his appearance and maintain his dignity.

  Shows Mr. Toots's resolve to move forward after accepting Florence's marriage.