Dombey and Son · Chapter
Domestic Relations explained
Mr.
What happens
Mr. Dombey's pride hardens in response to Edith's defiance, leading to a cold and bitter standoff. Edith attempts a conciliatory proposal for mutual forbearance, but Dombey rejects it, insisting on his authority. He asserts his power by involving Mr. Carker and planning to install Mrs. Pipchin as housekeeper, further deepening the rift. Meanwhile, Mrs. Skewton's health declines as the family prepares to move to Brighton.
Themes in this chapter
Pride and Ambition
Mr. Dombey's pride is depicted as an unyielding armor that grows stronger under resistance, leading to his isolation and inability to accept Edith's peace offering.
Marriage and Power
The chapter explores the power struggle in the Dombey marriage, with Dombey asserting his authority and Edith attempting to negotiate a truce, ultimately failing.
Wealth and Morality
Dombey's wealth and status are used as tools of control, as seen in his plans to hire Mrs. Pipchin and involve Carker, highlighting the moral corruption of his pride.
Characters to notice
- Mr. Dombey
His pride is further entrenched by Edith's resistance; he rejects her proposal for peace and asserts his authority by involving Carker and planning to hire Mrs. Pipchin.
- Edith Dombey
Makes a sincere but failed attempt at reconciliation, offering mutual forbearance; after Dombey's rejection, her scorn and defiance return, and she is visibly disturbed by his mention of Carker.
- Mr. Carker
Referenced by Dombey as a confidential agent; Dombey uses him to assert power over Edith, causing her visible agitation.
- Mrs. Skewton
Her health is failing; she confuses names and is described as 'earthy' and imbecilic, yet remains vainly youthful in dress.
- Mrs. Pipchin
Mentioned by Dombey as the prospective housekeeper for the Brighton establishment, a former employee of his family.
Key passages
“It is the curse of such a nature—it is a main part of the heavy retribution on itself it bears within itself—that while deference and concession swell its evil qualities, and are the food it grows upon, resistance and a questioning of its exacting claims, foster it too, no less.”
A proud nature is cursed because both submission and defiance only make it worse.
Narrator's reflection on how Mr. Dombey's pride is fueled by any reaction, good or bad.
“Who wears such armour, too, bears with him ever another heavy retribution. It is of proof against conciliation, love, and confidence; against all gentle sympathy from without, all trust, all tenderness, all soft emotion; but to deep stabs in the self-love, it is as vulnerable as the bare breast to steel; and such tormenting festers rankle there, as follow on no other wounds, no, though dealt with the mailed hand of Pride itself, on weaker pride, disarmed and thrown down.”
Pride protects a person from kindness but leaves them painfully sensitive to any blow to their ego.
Narrator's commentary on the paradoxical vulnerability of pride.
“I will promise to forbear on your part, I will promise to forbear on mine. We are a most unhappy pair, in whom, from different causes, every sentiment that blesses marriage, or justifies it, is rooted out; but in the course of time, some friendship, or some fitness for each other, may arise between us.”
Edith proposes a truce where both agree to be patient, hoping that eventually they might find some compatibility.
Edith's attempt at reconciliation with Mr. Dombey.
“Go, Sir! ... Our first and last confidence is at an end. Nothing can make us stranger to each other than we are henceforth.”
Edith dismisses Dombey, declaring that any trust between them is permanently destroyed.
Edith's final rejection after Dombey refuses her proposal.
