# Several People Delighted, and the Game Chicken Disgusted explained — Dombey and Son

> Chapter companion for Dombey and Son by Charles Dickens.

## What happens

Florence and Walter discuss their upcoming marriage and departure, with Florence expressing her joy at being a burden to Walter. Mr. Toots visits, awkwardly expressing his continued devotion to Florence while accepting her marriage to Walter. He resolves to improve his appearance and attend the banns reading. Captain Cuttle struggles to contain his delight, and Susan Nipper accompanies Mr. Toots to church.

## 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.

## Character check-ins

### 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 lines

> 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._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/dombey_and_son_se/chapters/lvi-several-people-delighted-and-the-game-chicken-disgusted
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/dombey_and_son_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/dombey_and_son_se/chapters