# XXIX: The Opening of the Eyes of Mrs. Chick explained — Dombey and Son

> Chapter companion for Dombey and Son by Charles Dickens.

## What happens

Mrs. Chick visits Miss Tox and reveals that her brother, Mr. Dombey, intends to marry a second wife, causing Miss Tox to react with concealed distress. The chapter opens with Miss Tox in a pensive, nostalgic mood, tending to her plants and reflecting on her past, before Mrs. Chick's news shatters her quiet routine.

## Themes in this chapter

### Marriage and Power

Mrs. Chick's announcement of Mr. Dombey's second marriage highlights marriage as a strategic family decision, with power dynamics evident in the lack of consultation with family members.

### Social Class and Hierarchy

Miss Tox's lower social standing is subtly underscored by her reaction to the news, and Mrs. Chick's condescending tone reinforces class distinctions within the Dombey circle.

## Character check-ins

### Miss Tox

Miss Tox is in a reflective, nostalgic mood, tending to her plants and thinking of her childhood. She is visibly disturbed by Mrs. Chick's news of Mr. Dombey's impending remarriage.

### Mrs. Chick

Mrs. Chick visits Miss Tox to announce Mr. Dombey's intention to marry a second wife, speaking with stateliness and a sense of family duty, while subtly testing Miss Tox's reaction.

### Mr. Dombey

Mr. Dombey is discussed as the subject of Mrs. Chick's announcement; he has returned home and is planning to remarry, though he does not appear directly in the chapter.

### Florence Dombey

Florence is mentioned by Mrs. Chick as having returned home, and Mrs. Chick opines that she is too old to continue her solitary life.

## Key lines

> If she's a strange girl, said Mrs. Chick, and if my brother Paul cannot feel perfectly comfortable in her society, after all the sad things that have happened, and all the terrible disappointments that have been undergone, then, what is the reply? That he must make an effort.

Mrs. Chick argues that if Florence is difficult and her brother feels uneasy around her after their family tragedies, he is still obligated to try to improve their relationship.

_Mrs. Chick insists on family duty and effort, reflecting her rigid sense of social obligation._

> Miss Tox left her seat in a hurry, and returned to her plants; clipping among the stems and leaves, with as little favour as a barber working at so many pauper heads of hair.

Miss Tox abruptly stands and busies herself with her plants, snipping them aggressively to hide her emotional distress at the news of Mr. Dombey's remarriage.

_This action reveals Miss Tox's concealed feelings for Mr. Dombey and her attempt to maintain composure._

## Links

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