Dombey and Son · Chapter
Shipping Intelligence and Office Business explained
This chapter describes the hierarchical atmosphere of Mr.
What happens
This chapter describes the hierarchical atmosphere of Mr. Dombey's offices, the deference shown to him by employees like Perch and the clerks, and the dynamics between Mr. Dombey, Mr. Carker the Manager, and Mr. Morfin. It culminates in Mr. Dombey deciding to send Walter Gay to the West Indies after a brief, tense encounter involving a letter from Florence.
Themes in this chapter
Social Class and Hierarchy
The office layout and the deference of clerks, Perch, and Carker to Mr. Dombey emphasize the rigid social and professional hierarchy.
Wealth and Morality
Mr. Dombey's supreme indifference to the appointment and his cold treatment of Walter reflect the moral detachment that accompanies his wealth and power.
Characters to notice
- Mr. Dombey
Presides over his office with cold authority; receives deference from all staff; decides to send Walter Gay to Barbados.
- Mr. Carker
The Manager, obsequious yet subtly arrogant; displays a wide, feline smile; orchestrates the assignment of Walter Gay to the West Indies.
- Mr. Morfin
A cheerful, elderly bachelor and musical amateur; occupies the office nearest the clerks; reports a vacancy in Barbados.
- Walter Gay
Brings letters to Mr. Dombey; picks up a dropped letter from Florence; is summoned back and informed of his posting to the West Indies.
- Perch
The messenger, extremely deferential; prepares Mr. Dombey's room and hangs up his coat and hat.
Key passages
“The principal slipper and dogs’ collar man—who considered himself a public character, and whose portrait was screwed on to an artist’s door in Cheapside—threw up his forefinger to the brim of his hat as Mr. Dombey went by.”
Even the street vendors, including a self-important man selling slippers and dog collars, respectfully tipped their hats to Mr. Dombey as he passed.
Illustrates the universal deference shown to Mr. Dombey in the commercial district.
“Mr. Carker, as Grand Vizier, inhabited the room that was nearest to the Sultan. Mr. Morfin, as an officer of inferior state, inhabited the room that was nearest to the clerks.”
Carker's office was closest to Mr. Dombey's, like a vizier to a sultan, while Morfin's was nearer the clerks, reflecting their relative status.
Highlights the hierarchical arrangement of the office space.
“He seemed a man who would contend against the power that vanquished him, if he could, but who was utterly borne down by the greatness and superiority of Mr. Dombey.”
Carker appeared as though he might resist Mr. Dombey's dominance if possible, but was completely overwhelmed by his employer's superiority.
Describes Carker's feigned or real subservience and underlying tension.
““Send young Gay.””
Mr. Dombey orders that Walter Gay be sent to the West Indies to fill the vacant post.
Key decision that sets Walter's departure in motion.