Summary

Chapter 1 introduces us to the household of Paul Dombey, a wealthy 48-year-old business man. His quiet, gentle wife, Fanny, has just given birth to their second child, a much longed for baby boy, Paul. Their daughter, Florence, is six years old. Mr. Dombey is entirely uninterested in his wife and daughter, though he is thrilled about having a son who he believes will work with him at his international shipping business, Dombey and Son, just as he did with his father. Two prominent doctors are at Dombey’s home to attend to baby Paul and Fanny. They tell Dombey that his wife is a bit weak and hint that there is some danger to her. Mr. Dombey does not pay attention to them; he is only concerned with the health and well-being of his newborn son, Paul. Mr. Dombey’s sister, Louisa Chick...