Dombey and Son

Summary

A rich man's obsessive search for an heir blinds him to his own child in this classic Victorian novel of greed, pride, and family ties.

Characters and Themes

For shipping magnate Paul Dombey, business is the essence of life. He runs his firm and his family with the same calculating efficiency. Showering attention on his sickly son, who is destined to take over the family business, Mr. Dombey diligently ignores his daughter, Florence. In his unloving eyes, she is nothing more than a "base coin that couldn't be invested."

Development

In time, despite her father's neglect, Florence grows into a capable and strong-willed woman. Dombey's callousness, meanwhile, sets in motion his own eventual downfall.

Conclusion

In this classic tale of ambition, pride, and redemption, Charles Dickens presents a rich and sprawling portrait of a man, his dysfunctional family, and the complex times in which they lived.