Dombey and Son · Chapter
Paul’s Further Progress, Growth and Character explained
Paul Dombey grows from infancy to nearly five years old, but remains delicate and often ill.
What happens
Paul Dombey grows from infancy to nearly five years old, but remains delicate and often ill. His father, Mr. Dombey, is impatient for Paul to grow into the future head of the firm, viewing his son primarily as a part of his own greatness. Paul displays an old-fashioned, thoughtful nature and asks profound questions about money, its power, and why it could not save his mother. His bond with Florence is evident, as she is his companion and comfort.
Themes in this chapter
Pride and Ambition
Mr. Dombey's pride and ambition are centered on Paul as the future of Dombey and Son. He is impatient for Paul to grow up and views his son primarily as a means to achieve his own grandeur.
Innocence and Childhood
Paul's childhood is marked by fragility and a precocious wisdom. His innocent questions about money and death contrast with his father's worldly ambitions, highlighting the loss of childhood innocence.
Wealth and Morality
Paul's inquiry into the nature of money and its inability to save his mother challenges Mr. Dombey's belief that money can do anything, raising moral questions about the limits of wealth.
Characters to notice
- Paul Dombey
Now nearly five years old, Paul is delicate, thoughtful, and prone to illness. He asks his father deep questions about money and its limitations, showing a precocious and melancholy nature.
- Mr. Dombey
Mr. Dombey is impatient for Paul to grow up and fulfill his role as the 'Son' of the firm. He views his son as an extension of his own ambition and is disconcerted by Paul's questions about money and death.
- Florence Dombey
Florence is Paul's loving sister and playmate. Paul notes that she is stronger and healthier than he is, and he often lies down in her lap when tired.
- Mrs. Chick
Mrs. Chick, along with Miss Tox, takes over the nursery after the dismissal of Richards, showing great vigilance in caring for Paul.
- Miss Tox
Miss Tox assists Mrs. Chick in managing the nursery and is devoted to Paul's care, even being driven in single harness by him during play.
- Mrs. Wickam
Mrs. Wickam is Paul's nurse, a meek woman who pities herself and others. She often expresses concern about Paul's health, though never to Mr. Dombey.
Key passages
“What is money after all! ... I mean, Papa, what can it do?”
Paul asks his father to explain the true purpose and power of money, beyond its physical form.
This question reveals Paul's deep, philosophical nature and his struggle to understand the world, contrasting with his father's materialistic views.
“Why didn't money save me my Mama?”
Paul wonders why wealth, which his father says can do anything, could not prevent his mother's death.
This poignant question highlights Paul's grief and his early confrontation with the limitations of money, challenging Mr. Dombey's assertions.
“I am so tired sometimes ... and my bones ache so ... that I don't know what to do.”
Paul complains of persistent fatigue and pain, even during the day, indicating his fragile health.
This line underscores Paul's physical weakness and sets the stage for his declining health, which is a central concern in the chapter.