Dombey And Son

By Charles Dickens

“Dombey and Son” by Charles Dickens is a Victorian-era novel that explores themes of wealth, power, and family dynamics. Throughout the story, Dickens employs various literary devices, such as symbolism, foreshadowing, and characterization, to bring the characters and settings to life and to convey deeper meanings and themes. The novel’s complex plot and multi-dimensional characters make it a classic of English literature and a must-read for fans of Dickens and Victorian-era literature.

Themes 📚

1. The corrupting influence of wealth and power
2. The importance of family and community
3. The oppression of women in Victorian society
4. The relationship between childhood and adulthood
5. The struggle between tradition and progress
6. The role of education in shaping character and values
7. The dangers of pride and ambition
8. The consequences of neglecting emotional needs
9. The tragedy of unfulfilled love
10. The idea that true happiness can only be found in selflessness and compassion

Use of Literary Devices ✍🏽

1. Symbolism: Dickens uses objects and images to represent deeper meanings and themes. For example, the Dombey family’s obsession with money is symbolized by the recurrent image of gold and the monetary metaphors used throughout the novel.
2. Foreshadowing: Dickens hints at future events or plot twists to create suspense and tension in the story. For example, the early description of Paul Dombey’s frailty and his mother’s overprotectiveness foreshadow the tragic fate that awaits him.
3. Irony: Dickens uses irony to create contrast and highlight the moral ambiguities of the characters and their actions. For example, the fact that the cold and ruthless Dombey is brought to his knees by his love for his daughter is a powerful example of dramatic irony.
4. Satire: Dickens uses humor and irony to criticize and expose the flaws of Victorian society and its institutions. For example, the satirical portrayal of Mrs. Skewton, an aristocratic widow who is obsessed with her looks and social status, satirizes the vanity and superficiality of the upper class.
5. Characterization: Dickens creates vivid and complex characters with distinct personalities, motivations, and flaws. For example, the character of Captain Cuttle is a memorable and lovable figure who embodies the virtues of loyalty and kindness.
6. Flashback: Dickens uses flashbacks to explore characters’ backstories and to provide context for their actions and motivations. For example, the flashback to Mr. Carker’s troubled childhood explains his ruthless ambition and lack of empathy.
7. Allusion: Dickens alludes to other literary works, historical events, and cultural references to add depth and meaning to the story. For example, the character of Edith Granger is an allusion to the tragic heroines of Gothic novels, such as Mary Shelley’s “Frankenstein.”
8. Imagery: Dickens uses vivid and descriptive language to create sensory experiences for the reader and to bring the settings and characters to life. For example, the description of the stormy night when Little Paul dies is full of sensory imagery that creates a sense of foreboding and tragedy.
9. Motif: Dickens uses recurring symbols or images to convey deeper meanings and themes throughout the novel. For example, the recurrent image of water and the sea is used to symbolize the power of fate and the unstoppable flow of time.
10. Point of view: Dickens uses multiple points of view to tell the story and to provide insights into the thoughts and motivations of different characters. For example, the omniscient narrator provides a panoramic view of the events and the characters, while the first-person narrative of Susan Nipper offers a more personal and subjective perspective.

Examples of Literary Devices 📋

1. Symbolism

Example	Explanation
The Dombey and Son firm	The firm symbolizes the Dombey family’s social status and Paul Dombey’s pride.
Paul Dombey Jr.’s frailty	His frailty represents the downfall of the Dombey family and their business.
The train	The introduction of the railway is symbolic of the changing times and the destruction of old values.

2. Foreshadowing

Example	Explanation
Paul Jr.’s frailty	His physical weakness foreshadows his early death.
Mrs. Dombey’s death	Her death after childbirth foreshadows the troubled future of the Dombey family.
Edith’s reluctance to marry	Edith’s resistance foreshadows the unhappy marriage between her and Mr. Dombey.

3. Irony

Example	Explanation
Dombey’s disregard for his daughter	It’s ironic that Dombey disregards his daughter Florence, who is the only one who remains loyal to him.
Paul Jr.’s death	Paul Dombey’s dream is to pass his business to his son, but ironically, his son dies young.
Edith’s marriage to Dombey	Dombey believes that Edith marries him out of love, but she is actually forced into the marriage.

4. Satire

Example	Explanation
The pretentiousness of the Dombey family	Dickens satirizes the upper class through the character of Mr. Dombey, who is overly concerned with social status.
The marriage market	The novel satirizes the notion of marriage as a business transaction rather than a love match.
Society’s reverence for wealth	Dickens satirizes how society values wealth over character or virtue.

5. Imagery

Example	Explanation
Description of Dombey’s house	The house is described as cold and austere, reflecting Dombey’s personality.
Paul Jr.’s death scene	The vivid imagery of Paul Jr.’s death scene enhances the emotional impact.
Description of the city	The detailed imagery of the city reflects the changing times during the Industrial Revolution.

FAQs 💭