Dombey and Son by Charles Dickens

Name: Dombey and Son
Author: Charles Dickens

Dombey and Son is a novel by Charles Dickens that follows the life of Paul Dombey, a wealthy merchant who values his business above all else. The story explores themes of family, love, and the consequences of one's actions. After Dombey's death, his son, Paul Jr., struggles to come to terms with his father's legacy and find his place in the world. Along the way, he encounters a cast of characters, including his cousin, Walter, who is determined to cause chaos and destruction, and the kind-hearted Mrs. Nickleby, who provides a contrast to the darker themes of the novel. Through its exploration of these themes and characters, Dombey and Son offers a nuanced and thought-provoking portrayal of life in Victorian England.

By Charles Dickens · First published 1848 · Genre: Victorian Literature, Drama, Satire · 60 chapters · 435,315 words

First lines

Dombey sat in the corner of the darkened room in the great arm-chair by the bedside, and Son lay tucked up warm in a little basket bedstead, carefully disposed on a low settee immediately in front of the fire and close to it, as if his constitution were analogous to that of a muffin, and it was essential to toast him brown while he was very new.

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Dombey and Son is listed on Textopian as a novel by Charles Dickens, dated 1848 CE.

This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.

Work type: Novel
Author: Charles Dickens
Date: 1848 CE
Language: English
Genres: Victorian Literature, Drama, Satire, Social Criticism, Family Saga
Length: 435,315 words
Structure: 62 chapters, 7,477 paragraphs
Reading fit: Difficult (College Level)

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Discussion starters

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Similar titles

Genres

Victorian Literature — Written during the Victorian Era by Charles Dickens, the story reflects the social norms and values of that time.
Drama — The plot revolves around the life of Paul Dombey, his family and business, often featuring tense and emotional scenarios.
Satire — Dickens satirizes the society of his time, especially the values of the upper class and the emerging industrial bourgeoisie.
Social Criticism — The novel widely critiques social norms, gender roles, family relationships, and injustices of the Victorian era.