Dombey and Son · Chapter
LX: Chiefly Matrimonial explained
The chapter details the marriage of Mr.
What happens
The chapter details the marriage of Mr. Feeder to Cornelia Blimber, and the marriage of Captain Bunsby to Mrs. MacStinger. Meanwhile, Mr. and Mrs. Toots receive a letter from Captain Cuttle announcing the return of Walter and Florence, and the reconciliation of Mr. Dombey with Florence. They rush to see Florence, who is now caring for her ill father.
Themes in this chapter
Marriage and Power
Two marriages are depicted: Feeder and Cornelia Blimber, and Bunsby and Mrs. MacStinger, both showing power dynamics—Feeder's romantic fulfillment and Bunsby's capture by a dominant wife.
Redemption and Change
Mr. Dombey's reconciliation with Florence and his illness represent a turning point, suggesting potential redemption after his earlier pride and neglect.
Characters to notice
- Florence Dombey
Has returned home with Walter, reconciled with her father, and is caring for him during his illness.
- Mr. Toots
Receives news of Florence's return and reconciliation with her father; expresses admiration for his wife Susan.
- Susan Nipper
Now Mrs. Toots, she is overjoyed to see Florence and the baby, and insists on wearing her old servant's dress to avoid seeming strange.
- Captain Cuttle
Writes to Mr. Toots about Florence's return; witnesses the wedding procession of Bunsby and Mrs. MacStinger; later visits Mr. Dombey's house.
- Mr. Bunsby
Married to Mrs. MacStinger in a procession led by her; appears resigned to his fate.
- Mrs. MacStinger
Leads the wedding procession, having married Bunsby; wears his watch and appendages.
Key passages
“Captain Gills says... that Miss Dombey has brought her unfortunate father away from his old house, to one where she and Walters are living; that he is lying very ill there—supposed to be dying; and that she attends upon him night and day.”
Captain Cuttle reports that Florence has moved her ailing father to her home with Walter, where she nurses him constantly.
This passage conveys the key event of Mr. Dombey's illness and Florence's devoted care.
“She's a most extraordinary woman! ... You're perfectly right, my love, they have come home. Miss Dombey has seen her father, and they are reconciled!”
Mr. Toots confirms to his wife that Florence and her father have reconciled.
Highlights the emotional reunion and Mr. Toots's admiration for Susan's intuition.