Dombey and Son

The story of the adored son and the neglected daughter, of a wealthy merchant whose pride contains the seeds of his own downfall.

Mr. Domley has a son and heir at last, although his wife has died in childbirth. Neglected and heart-broken, his daughter is counseled by her maid, Susan Nipper, and Paul's nurse, the kindly Polly.

Polly and Susan Nipper have taken little Florence and her baby brother Paul to visit the Toodle family, in the hope of seeing Polly's son, Biler.

Florence has been found by Walter Gay and a friendship begins between them. Baby Paul grows up into a strange, old-fashioned little boy.

Walter Gay has been told that he is to be sent to the West Indies. Little Paul's health has worsened and he has collapsed at school.

Little Paul's death has left Mr. Dombey heartbroken. Walter Gay has said his goodbye to Florence and set off for the West Indies.

Shattered by young Paul's death, Mr. Dombey has gone to Leamington Spa, accompanied by Major Bagstock, who introduces him to the scheming Mrs. Skewton and her daughter Edith.

Mr. Dombey and Edith gets married, but there is a growing coldness between them. Finally, Mr. Dombey's criticisms of his wife's conduct lead to a serious quarrel.

To revenge herself upon Mr. Dombey, Edith has run away with Carker. Furious and humiliated, Mr. Dombey has turned on Florence, who has fled to Captain Cuttle for refuge.