Dombey and Son · Chapter
Strange News of Uncle Sol explained
Captain Cuttle is awakened by Rob the Grinder, who brings a packet and keys left by Solomon Gills, who has vanished.
What happens
Captain Cuttle is awakened by Rob the Grinder, who brings a packet and keys left by Solomon Gills, who has vanished. The letter instructs Cuttle to keep a home for Walter and not to search for Sol. Cuttle investigates the empty premises, decides to move into Sol's shop to maintain it for Walter, and plans to secretly flee from Mrs. MacStinger's lodgings to avoid her wrath.
Themes in this chapter
Family and Neglect
Solomon Gills's disappearance and his concern for Walter highlight the theme of familial duty and the neglect of personal ties.
Redemption and Change
Captain Cuttle's decision to abandon his old life and take on new responsibilities for Walter's sake suggests a redemptive transformation.
Characters to notice
- Captain Cuttle
Receives the news of Solomon Gills's disappearance and resolves to keep house for Walter.
- Rob the Grinder
Delivers the keys and packet to Captain Cuttle and is treated with suspicion.
- Solomon Gills
Has vanished, leaving a letter and keys for Captain Cuttle.
- Walter Gay
Mentioned as the one for whom a home must be kept in the old place.
- Mrs. MacStinger
Captain Cuttle's landlady, from whom he plans to secretly flee.
Key passages
“My dear Ned Cuttle. Enclosed is my will! ... Which don't break open for a year, or until you have decisive intelligence of my dear Walter, who is dear to you, Ned, too, I am sure.”
Solomon Gills writes to Captain Cuttle, enclosing his will and instructing him not to open it for a year or until he hears news of Walter.
This letter sets the plot in motion, revealing Solomon's disappearance and his trust in Cuttle.
“Keep this quiet, and make no inquiry for me; it is useless.”
Solomon asks Captain Cuttle to keep his disappearance secret and not to search for him.
Emphasizes Solomon's desire for secrecy and finality.
“The Captain took a long breath, and then read these words written below: 'The boy Rob, well recommended, as I told you, from Dombey's House. If all else should come to the hammer, take care, Ned, of the little Midshipman.'”
Captain Cuttle reads Solomon's postscript about Rob and the instruction to protect the shop sign, the little Midshipman.
Shows Solomon's concern for his shop and his recommendation of Rob.