# A Bird's-Eye Glimpse of Miss Tox's Dwelling-Place: Also of the State of Miss Tox's Affections explained — Dombey and Son

> Chapter companion for Dombey and Son by Charles Dickens.

## What happens

This chapter describes Miss Tox's small, inconvenient house in Princess's Place, a fashionable but cramped neighborhood. It also explores Miss Tox's growing infatuation with the infant Paul Dombey, whom she dotes on obsessively, much to the confusion and neglect of Major Bagstock, who had previously fancied himself the object of her affections. Miss Tox's attention shifts entirely to baby Paul, and she begins to ignore the Major, who is left bewildered and resentful.

## Themes in this chapter

### Social Class and Hierarchy

The chapter highlights social class through the contrast between Miss Tox's humble dwelling in Princess's Place and the grand mansions nearby, as well as her aspirations connected to the Dombey family.

### Love and Sacrifice

Miss Tox's devotion to baby Paul, including her constant attendance and care, exemplifies a form of sacrificial love, though it is also tinged with personal ambition.

## Character check-ins

### Miss Tox

Miss Tox is the central figure of the chapter, living in a cramped house in Princess's Place. She becomes increasingly devoted to baby Paul Dombey, neglecting Major Bagstock and adorning her home with new decorations.

### Major Bagstock

Major Bagstock is a blue-faced, selfish military man who lives opposite Miss Tox. He is initially proud of her attention but becomes confused and irritated as she ignores him in favor of baby Paul.

### Paul Dombey

Baby Paul Dombey is the object of Miss Tox's intense affection. She frequently visits him, nurses him, and plays with him, seeing him as a picture of his father.

### Mrs. Chick

Mrs. Chick, Mr. Dombey's sister, interacts with Miss Tox about baby Paul, noting how much he resembles his father and discussing the late Mrs. Dombey.

## Key lines

> It's a Baby, Sir," said the Major, shutting up the glass again, "for fifty thousand pounds!

Major Bagstock exclaims that the baby is worth a fortune, reflecting the immense value placed on Paul Dombey as the heir to the Dombey fortune.

_This quote underscores the economic and dynastic significance of baby Paul in the eyes of the Major and society._

> You'll quite win my brother Paul's heart, and that's the truth, my dear," said Mrs. Chick, one day. Miss Tox turned pale.

Mrs. Chick tells Miss Tox that she will win Mr. Dombey's heart, causing Miss Tox to blanch, revealing her deep emotional investment in the Dombey family.

_This moment shows Miss Tox's romantic hopes and her anxiety about being discovered._

## Links

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