Dombey and Son · Chapter
LXI: Relenting explained
Florence, now married to Walter Gay, is taken by Cousin Feenix to the house in Brook Street where she has a painful reunion with Edith Dombey.
What happens
Florence, now married to Walter Gay, is taken by Cousin Feenix to the house in Brook Street where she has a painful reunion with Edith Dombey. Meanwhile, Mr. Dombey lies gravely ill, tended by Florence, who forgives him and brings him comfort. The chapter shows the beginning of reconciliation between father and daughter, and the resolution of past conflicts.
Themes in this chapter
Redemption and Change
Mr. Dombey's illness and his growing recognition of Florence's love mark the beginning of his redemption and change of heart.
Family and Neglect
The chapter highlights the consequences of familial neglect, as Mr. Dombey's past coldness is contrasted with Florence's unwavering care.
Love and Sacrifice
Florence's selfless devotion to her father and her painful meeting with Edith demonstrate the theme of love and sacrifice.
Characters to notice
- Florence Dombey
Visits Edith at Cousin Feenix's request, and later cares for her ailing father, showing compassion and forgiveness.
- Edith Dombey
Reunites with Florence in a tense and emotional meeting, expressing regret and love.
- Mr. Dombey
Lies ill and delirious, haunted by his past, but gradually recognizes Florence's devotion and begins to relent.
- Walter Gay
Supports Florence throughout, waiting outside during her interview with Edith and later comforting her.
- Cousin Feenix
Arranges the meeting between Florence and Edith, and expresses regret over the family's troubles.
- Susan Nipper
Is called to Mr. Dombey's bedside, where he forgives her past words and asks her to stay.
Key passages
“I will leave a card for my friend Dombey, sincerely trusting that he will pick up health and strength with every returning hour.”
Cousin Feenix says he will leave his card for Mr. Dombey, hoping he recovers soon.
Cousin Feenix shows concern for Mr. Dombey's health.
“Oh, Mama, Mama! why do we meet like this?”
Florence cries out in anguish, asking why their reunion is so painful.
Florence is overwhelmed by the emotional encounter with Edith.
“He would repeat that childish question, 'What is money?' and ponder on it, and think about it, and reason with himself, more or less connectedly, for a good answer; as if it had never been proposed to him until that moment.”
In his delirium, Mr. Dombey keeps asking what money is, as if considering it for the first time.
Mr. Dombey's illness forces him to reflect on the value of money versus human relationships.
“Remember only that I was once, and that I loved you!”
Edith begs Florence to remember only that she once existed and loved her.
Edith seeks forgiveness and wants to be remembered fondly despite the past.