Dombey and Son · Chapter
Paul’s Introduction to a New Scene explained
Mr.
What happens
Mr. Dombey decides that Paul, now six years old, should leave Mrs. Pipchin's care and attend Doctor Blimber's school to begin a more serious education. Paul is introduced to the Blimber family and meets the head boy, Toots. The chapter also reflects on Paul's time with Mrs. Pipchin and his close bond with Florence.
Themes in this chapter
Pride and Ambition
Mr. Dombey's determination to have Paul excel academically reflects his pride in the Dombey name and his ambition for his son's future.
Innocence and Childhood
Paul's delicate health and dreamy nature contrast with the rigorous expectations placed on him, highlighting the tension between childhood innocence and adult ambition.
Family and Neglect
Florence's supportive presence underscores the emotional neglect Paul experiences from his father, who prioritizes education over familial bonds.
Characters to notice
- Paul Dombey
Introduced to Doctor Blimber's school; described as thin, delicate, and dreamy.
- Florence Dombey
Present during Paul's introduction to the Blimbers; holds Paul's hand for comfort.
- Mr. Dombey
Arranges Paul's enrollment at Doctor Blimber's; expresses pride and ambition for his son's future.
- Mrs. Pipchin
Paul's former caretaker; consulted by Mr. Dombey about Paul's education; advocates strict discipline.
- Doctor Blimber
Head of the school; presents Paul to the Blimber family and assigns him to Mr. Feeder's care.
- Mr. Toots
Head boy at Blimber's; introduced to Paul and awkwardly greets him.
Key passages
“Like a bee, Sir, about to plunge into a garden of the choicest flowers, and sip the sweets for the first time. Virgil, Horace, Ovid, Terence, Plautus, Cicero. What a world of honey have we here.”
Mrs. Blimber compares Paul to a bee entering a garden of classical authors, emphasizing the richness of the education awaiting him.
Highlights the Blimbers' emphasis on classical learning and their view of education as a sweet, intellectual feast.
“My opinion is 'keep ’em at it.'”
Mrs. Pipchin advocates for relentless academic pressure on children, rejecting modern ideas of gentle encouragement.
Reflects the strict educational philosophy of the time and Mrs. Pipchin's harsh character.