# Walter Goes Away explained — Dombey and Son

> Chapter companion for Dombey and Son by Charles Dickens.

## What happens

On the eve of his departure for Barbados, Walter Gay bids farewell to his uncle Solomon Gills and receives an unexpected visit from Florence Dombey and Susan Nipper. Florence, still grieving the loss of her brother Paul, asks Walter to be a brother to her and promises to be a sister to him. They share a heartfelt moment, and Walter pledges to cherish her trust. The chapter ends with them taking tea together in the back parlour.

## Themes in this chapter

### Love and Sacrifice

Walter's departure and his promise to cherish Florence's trust exemplify selfless love and sacrifice.

### Family and Neglect

Florence's plea for Walter to be a brother underscores her loneliness and the neglect she experiences from her father.

### Innocence and Childhood

Florence's pure and earnest request for a brotherly bond reflects her innocence and the lingering shadow of Paul's childhood.

## Character check-ins

### Walter Gay

Preparing to leave for Barbados; bids farewell to his uncle and receives Florence's visit.

### Solomon Gills

Walter's uncle, saddened by his departure but comforted by Florence's kindness.

### Florence Dombey

Visits Walter to say goodbye and asks him to be a brother to her after Paul's death.

### Susan Nipper

Accompanies Florence; makes tea and shows emotional support during the visit.

### Captain Cuttle

Mentioned as staying away intentionally to allow Walter and his uncle private time.

## Key lines

> Tell her that I said I never could forget her gentle manner, or her beautiful face, or her sweet kind disposition that was better than all.

Walter asks his uncle to convey to Florence that he will always remember her gentle ways, her beauty, and her kind nature.

_Walter expresses his deep admiration for Florence before his departure._

> if you'll be a brother to me, Walter, now that he is gone and I have none on earth, I'll be your sister all my life, and think of you like one wherever we may be!

Florence asks Walter to act as a brother to her after Paul's death, promising to be a sister to him forever.

_Florence seeks a familial bond with Walter to fill the void left by her brother's death._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/dombey_and_son_se/chapters/xix-walter-goes-away
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/dombey_and_son_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/dombey_and_son_se/chapters