Dombey and Son by Charles Dickens

Dombey And Son by Charles Dickens
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

This is the classic Victorian novel, where greed of the upper classes leads to the family’s downfall. It’s a just deserts kind of feeling where Mr. Dombey’s neglect of his daughter punishes his social status. The strive of Dombey’s business self always dominates over his emotional needs as he runs his family in a similar manner to his occupation; to ensure the survival of the fittest. Little Paul’s inquisitive innocence puts the grown-ups in charge of him to display their true colours as they are put under pressure to answer this honest child. Dickens is also keen to illustrate the role of women in society and the lack of independence that they have; and that their only role is to be comforters. This is conveyed perfectly through Florence. But Florence is the true heroine; bravely stepping forward to save her father despite his harsh treatment of her. It’s a great book with some great comic moments when the innocent are able to mock those in authority.

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