# Shadows of the Past and Future explained — Dombey and Son

> Chapter companion for Dombey and Son by Charles Dickens.

## What happens

Major Bagstock and Mr. Carker dine with Mr. Dombey, where the Major slyly toasts 'angelic Edith' and hints at Dombey's romantic interest in Edith Granger. Later, Carker and Dombey discuss Dombey's social engagements, and the Major conspires with Mrs. Skewton to advance the match between Dombey and Edith, while Mrs. Skewton feigns maternal concern.

## Themes in this chapter

### Marriage and Power

The Major and Mrs. Skewton actively scheme to marry Edith to Dombey, treating the union as a strategic alliance of beauty and fortune.

### Wealth and Morality

Dombey's wealth is central to his desirability, and the characters' moral compromises are evident in their manipulation for financial gain.

### Social Class and Hierarchy

Dombey's status as 'Colossus of commerce' and the Major's deference highlight class dynamics; Carker's role as subordinate manager underscores the business hierarchy.

## Character check-ins

### Mr. Dombey

Embarrassed but receptive to the Major's allusions about Edith; arranges social introductions with Carker.

### Mr. Carker

Arrives at Leamington, flatters the Major and Dombey, and learns of Dombey's interest in Edith.

### Major Bagstock

Acts as matchmaker, toasts Edith, and conspires with Mrs. Skewton to secure the marriage.

### Mrs. Skewton

Feigns distress over Edith's change but eagerly pursues Dombey's proposal through the Major.

### Edith Dombey

Mentioned as the object of Dombey's interest; described as altered and distant by her mother.

## Key lines

> she was of a fine family, Sir. That Dombey was over head and ears in love with her, Sir, and that it would be a good match on both sides; for she had beauty, blood, and talent, and Dombey had fortune; and what more could any couple have?

The Major asserts that Edith comes from a good family, Dombey is deeply in love with her, and their union would be mutually beneficial because she brings beauty and lineage while he brings wealth.

_The Major justifies the match as a perfect exchange of assets._

> Dombey, Ma'am, said the Major, is a great catch.

The Major tells Mrs. Skewton that Dombey is a highly desirable husband due to his wealth and status.

_The Major emphasizes Dombey's value as a marital prize._

> Dombey is as proud, Ma'am, said the Major, as Lucifer.

The Major warns Mrs. Skewton that Dombey's pride is immense, comparable to the devil's.

_The Major highlights Dombey's arrogance as a key trait to manage._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/dombey_and_son_se/chapters/xxvi-shadows-of-the-past-and-future
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- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/dombey_and_son_se/chapters