Charles Dickens | Dombey and Son | A Review
Charles Dickens’ ‘Dombey and Son’-A Review
“Dombey and Son” is a novel by Charles Dickens, first published in monthly installments from 1846 to 1848. It is a complex and multilayered work that explores the themes of family, social class, gender, and the role of money in society. Set in mid-19th century England, the novel tells the story of Paul Dombey, a wealthy businessman who is obsessed with his legacy and the continuation of his family name.
The plot of “Dombey and Son” revolves around the Dombey family, specifically Paul Dombey Sr. and his son Paul Jr. After the death of his wife, Dombey becomes fixated on his son as the sole heir to his business and fortune, neglecting his daughter Florence. He hires a nursemaid named Susan Nipper to take care of Paul, and eventually marries Edith Granger, a beautiful but distant woman who has her own secrets and motives.
As the story progresses, Dickens introduces a cast of memorable characters who interact with the Dombey family in various ways. These include Captain Cuttle, a retired seaman who befriends young Paul; Mr. Carker, a conniving employee of Dombey’s who has his own designs on Edith; and the Toodles, a working-class family who become allies of Florence.
Throughout the novel, Dickens uses rich and evocative language to describe the settings and characters, as well as to convey his social commentary. He depicts the stark differences between the wealthy and the poor and highlights the struggles of women and children in a society that values them only in relation to their usefulness to men.
One of the most notable aspects of “Dombey and Son” is the complexity and nuance of its characters. Paul Dombey Sr. is a tragic figure, consumed by his own pride and ambition to the point where he neglects those closest to him. Edith Granger is a fascinating study in contradictions, simultaneously alluring and distant, vulnerable and calculating. Florence, the neglected daughter, is a sympathetic and resilient character who must navigate the societal expectations placed upon her as a woman.
The novel is also notable for its exploration of the theme of death and legacy. Paul Dombey Sr. is obsessed with his own legacy and the continuation of his family name, while young Paul’s premature death serves as a powerful reminder of the transience of life and the impermanence of human accomplishments.
In conclusion, “Dombey and Son” is a masterful work of literature that is both richly detailed and socially relevant. It is a complex and nuanced exploration of the human experience and a powerful critique of the social and economic systems of 19th-century England. Its vivid characters, evocative language, and timeless themes make it a must-read for fans of classic literature. 0 0 0.
Charles Dickens Dombey and Son A Review
N.B. The article originally belongs to the book entitled ‘Reviews of Charles Dickens’ Works‘ by Menonim Menonimus.
Books of Literary Criticism by M. Menonimus:
- World Short Story Criticism
- World Poetry Criticism
- World Drama Criticism
- World Novel Criticism
- World Essay Criticism
- Indian English Poetry Criticism
- Indian English Poets and Poetry Chief Features
- Emily Dickinson’s Poetry-A Thematic Study
- Walt Whitman’s Poetry-A Thematic Study
- Critical Essays on English Poetry
- Tawfiq al-Hakim’s Novel: Return of the Spirit-An Analytical Study
- Tawfiq al-Hakim’s Novel: ‘Yawmiyyat Naib Fil Arayaf’-An Analytical Study
- Analytical Studies of Some Arabic Short Stories
- A Brief History of Arabic Literature: Pre-Islamic Period (500 AD-622 AD)
- A Brief History of Arabic Literature: Early Islamic Period (622 AD-661 AD)
- Reviews on William Shakespeare’s Works …
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