The Old Curiosity Club discussion
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Dombey and Son
Dombey and Son
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D&S, Chp. 23-25
Mod
This is a quotation taken from the preceding chapter, but it also does apply to Chapter 24, which is entitled The Study of a Loving Heart and casts some light on the heart-breaking drama going on within Florence’s soul.
Major Events
Florence and Susan are now at the Skettleses’, who live in a house near the river, which sometimes means that their living room is invaded by the Thames. I found this quite interesting because it brings back the river into the novel, and by extension the sea, and the waves, and their whisperings to little Paul. The river therefore must be full of memories for Florence. The house is full of guests, and Florence spends her time with the children who abound there, but for her it is not all play and merriment because she has taken to studying how these children make themselves endearing to their parents. She thinks that there must be something she is overlooking or lacking for otherwise, her father would love her like all the other parents love their children. In other words, Florence is searching within herself instead of blaming her father. When she overhears a conversation between a young orphan girl and her aunt about herself and how she simply has to be loved because she makes herself such a wonderful companion, this does not wean her of her self-reproaching way of thinking but it makes her determined to shield her father from all potential criticism that is inherent to the thoughts uttered by the child and the aunt. She makes friends with a workman who loves his daughter although the young woman is both ungainly and pettish, and this even confirms Florence in her idea that the fault lies with herself and not with her father. – One day, on a walk with Sir Barnet and his family, they encounter Mr. Carker, who happens to be riding past and he offers to take a letter from her to her father, but Florence simply sends his love.
Thought, Quotes and Questions
Sir Barnet is very keen on enlarging his circle of acquaintances, and it seems that his main intention of having guests at his house is to help them become acquainted with other people he does not know yet. He repeatedly recommends himself to Mr. Dombey through Florence. – Are the Skettleses interested in Florence herself, or do they see her as a means of worming themselves into Mr. Dombey’s circle? Like the Major did through Paul. In both cases, children are seen as a bridge to step towards a haughty father. What would the Skettles do if they knew that Florence is no favourite of Mr. Dombey’s? And what intention might Dickens have in presenting the Skettles family as keen on enlarging their acquaintance like that?
What might Mr. Carker’s motive be for showing up at the Skettleses, because he surely does not show up there without a purpose? Do you think it is a hallucination of Florence’s when she sees his lips form the words “There is no news of the ship!”, words that seem to go unnoticed by anyone else?
And last, but by far not least: What advice would you give to Florence, who must be tormenting herself with the kind of thinking she has adopted with regard to her father? What could she learn from the aunt’s judgment that ”’ […] not an orphan in the wide world can be so deserted as the child who is an outcast from a living parent’s love.’”? Her musings even bring Florence to thinking that if she lay dying (like Paul), then her father might relent towards her, and his love might bring her back to life.
Mod
Major Events:
Early the next morning after the events described in Chapter 23, Captain Cuttle is informed by Rob the Grinder that Uncle Sol has disappeared. Rob states that the old man has been taking some of his personal belongings with him whenever he left the shop as to avoid calling attention to vast preparations for leaving. The captain repairs to the shop, with Rob in tow, in order to see for himself what is amiss, and certainly there is no trace of Uncle Sol. However, the old man has left the keys to the shop for him and written instructions in which he is told that all the money borrowed from Mr. Dombey has been duly repaid and that Captain Cuttle should see to it that the shop will be open for Walter to return. The Captain at first suspects foul play and Rob’s being part and parcel of it, and he is also afraid that his old friend might have decided to commit suicide, and the next few days are spent in inquiries in all sorts of places, like workhouses, hospitals and morgues – but still there is no trace of Uncle Sol. Finally, the Captain feels that he can best fulfil Uncle Sol’s injunctions by personally setting up his residence in the shop, and so we are treated to a funny episode when the Captain secretly absconds from Mrs. Mac Stinger’s because he feels that his landlady would never let him go.
Thoughts, Quotes, and Questions
”’[…] Here’s a sitiwation for a lad that’s just got a sitiwation,’” Rob the Grinder desperately exclaims when he finds himself under scrutiny from Captain Cuttle. Surely, Rob is quite prone to lamenting and protesting how ill-treated he is by the people around him, but is it not hard that the Captain should suspect him? Could Rob have been like all the other Toodles if he had not been sent to that school and if he had not taken to skipping lessons, or is he simply no good? Maybe some kind of Uriah Heep, with all his abject behaviour? What tone does the narration adopt towards him?
What do you think about the Captain’s relation with Mrs. Mac Stinger and her children? Why should he be so afraid of his landlady’s reaction to his leaving her place to look after the shop of his friend? At any rate, in the light of that old salt’s standing so much in awe of Mrs. Mac Stinger, I found it very funny that he later promises Rob ”to make a man of him, if he obeyed orders”. Do you think that he and Rob will get on well together?
And the most urgent question, which can only be answered by reading on, to be sure, is: Where did Uncle Sol go? How can he hope to find his nephew if Walter is really lost at sea? Would the old man really commit suicide as long as there was still a spark of hope that Walter is alive? Maybe, the Captain should go and see whether that old bottle of madeira is still in its place?
So far we have: Mr. Dombey – gone away courting a haughty widow; Florence – gone away on a visit and eating her heart out; Walter – gone away and lost trace of; Uncle Sol – ditto. The only major character still in London seems to be our good old Captain.
Mod
I hope that you are all safe and sound out there. Dombey and Son is a brilliant novel in itself, but in times like these it is even more precious to me in that it is a means of g..."
Tristram
I really enjoy MacStinger and can only hope that she and Major Bagstock cross paths in the future. My money is on her. As for Susan Nipper, she is rounding out very well in the novel. Is it me or is she getting more and more focus from Dickens? While she will probably not reach the heights of fame that Sam Weller did, it is apparent that Dickens’s supporting cast of minor characters can carry much of the reader’s enjoyment in the novel.
Mod
This is a quotation taken from the preceding chapter, but it also does apply to Chapter 24, which is entitled The Study of ..."
I find Florence a very interesting character. To this point in the novel she has not altered her hope that her father will one day acknowledge her, perhaps even love her. On the one hand we could see this as an example of an innocent, naive, and helpless child. On the other hand, is Dickens trying to establish that love can defeat indifference or even hate? Time will tell.
Carker reminds me of Lady Macbeth’s suggestion to her husband to look like the innocent flower but be the serpent under it. Carker has designs on Dombey, on his firm and, it seems, perhaps even on his daughter. There is depth to Carker in terms of his motives, actions, and psychology. I see in him a much more fully developed personality than is found in Dickens’s earlier novels.
I agree that Nipper is a wonderful character and gets better the farther the novel develops. I'm very happy Florence has an ally like her. Florence ... I've been thinking, while reading, how extraordinary much insight Dickens shows into households where children are abused in a way - like Florence is now. My husband grew up - I think I have told it in one of the previous topics about this novel - with an alcoholic mother, who never was a real parent to him. Especially since he, being autistic, didn't live up to her expectations. A lonely child without parental love, just like Florence. So while reading this novel my heart bleeds for her, because it is so spot on, on an emotional level. Including how children are prone to blame themselves for it, and are loyal to their parents for a long, long time, even when they logically know it is not right what their parents do. What Flo does in this novel, hiding what her father does (or not does) to protect him and make him look better, even if it hurts herself, is what you always hear children of abusive parents do. The spot-on-ness of especially chapter 24 made me cry this time.
Also, the lonelyness of this passage was so strong I had to write it down:
Florence would feel more lonely then, than in the great house all alone; an would think sometimes that she was better there than here, and that there was greater peace in hiding herself than in mingling with others of her age, and finding how unlike them all she was."
Also, the lonelyness of this passage was so strong I had to write it down:
Florence would feel more lonely then, than in the great house all alone; an would think sometimes that she was better there than here, and that there was greater peace in hiding herself than in mingling with others of her age, and finding how unlike them all she was."
About Rob, I think the main theme of this book is unrealistic expectations of children. He is another child of whom the unrealistic was expected (learning from teachers who bullied instead of taught, remaining well-mannered when being bullied, not fleeing from that what hurts you, amongst other things). No one ever taught him to write properly, I bet he was just shouted at when it didn't work. And the not writing legibly could be something as relatively small as him being left-handed. I know a teacher tried to teach me to write with my right hand, and then complained to my mom it didn't work, and that was only 30 years ago. Luckily for me my parents were very vocal about them teaching me to write properly, me being left-handed, instead of forcing me to do things because it's what has always been done. Otherwise I could not have read my own handwriting either at that age.
I like Susan Nipper, and I like that she's a strong companion for grieving Florence. Dickens contrasts and balances his characters well.I agree with Jantine that Dickens was spot-on about the way abused children think, feel, and act. Poor Florence. The imagery that stuck out to me was Florence holding her flowers and some of them falling every time she overheard something sad about herself.
Mod
Jantine
I agree with you. There is a very strong feeling of loneliness that pervades this novel. To think of Dombey’s large house and Florence wandering about without the love of her father. Thank goodness for Miss Nipper.
Mod
I agree with Jantine that Dickens was spot-on about the way..."
Alissa
You are so right. The image of the flowers cascading quietly to the floor spoke very loudly to me.
Mod
"Florence would feel more lonely then, than in the great house all alone; an would think sometimes that she was better there than here, and that there was greater peace in hiding herself than in mingling with others of her age, and finding how unlike them all she was.""
As it happens, I have just finished reading Purple Hibiscus by Chimamanda Ngoze Adichie, whose protagonist is a fifteen-year old girl living in a family who is dominated by a father who is both a religious zealot and a tyrant given to beating his wife and torturing his children psychologically and physically. Kambili, the daughter also has problems mixing socially with other children, and at first she is not even able to speak properly with her cousins without stuttering. And yet, she does not want anyone to think ill of her father, she blames herself for his fits of anger, and she is also very happy whenever her father shows pride in her and her achievements at school.
What you said about your husband's childhood was very moving to me, and it helps me understand Florence a lot better whose behaviour I could not fathom at first.
Mod
Rob's being left-handed eluded me, so thanks for the hint. It is a shame that an insecure boy like Rob should get under the influence of that scheming and ruthless Carker.
Mod
In most places children were taught to write with their preferred hand long before my story by the way, at least here in the Netherlands. I just had a very old-fashioned couple of teachers somehow. I can vividly remember when we moved house about two years later, and I went to my mother's old school, and the head master there was almost retiring, so certainly old-fashioned in his ways. But that there had been teachers who had tried to teach me to write right handed fazed him, that was something so far from the past he had thought it wouldn't happen anymore.
Peter wrote: "Jantine wrote: "I agree that Nipper is a wonderful character and gets better the farther the novel develops. I'm very happy Florence has an ally like her. Florence ... I've been thinking, while rea..."Yes Miss Nipper is a breath of fresh air
Jantine wrote: "About Rob, I think the main theme of this book is unrealistic expectations of children. He is another child of whom the unrealistic was expected (learning from teachers who bullied instead of taugh..."I find I am hopeful for Rob in the Captain's company. The Captain's a genial soul and has less to lose than, say, Walter and his uncle, so it seems less likely that Rob can betray him, and maybe Cuttle's good nature will rub off.
I like Nipper, too.
Tristram wrote: "I have just finished reading Purple Hibiscus by Chimamanda Ngoze Adichie."I have only read her novel Americanah but have thought for a while that she's a Dickensian author in her ability to capture whole contemporary worlds with vivid characters in a way that's very friendly to popular audiences. I liked that book a lot.
Mod
I might fall in love with Nipper!
Mod
I have only read her novel Americanah but have thought for a while that she's a Dickensian author in her..."
I don't know Americanah, but when you call her Dickensian does that mean that there was humour in Americanah or are you mainly referring to the world-building skills? There was no humour in Purple Hibiscus, but the characters really did come to life!
Julie, I agree. This might be a very good thing for Rob, he will learn in a good way as long as he's with the Captain.
Mod
No one ever does.
Mod
Poor, poor Nipper.
Mod
I forgot about them. What was the point of them anyway? Will they be back some day?
Mod
"What do you want with Captain Cuttle, I should wish to know!"
Chapter 23
Fred Barnard
Text Illustrated:
At the moment when Florence and Susan Nipper presented themselves at Mrs MacStinger’s door, that worthy but redoubtable female was in the act of conveying Alexander MacStinger, aged two years and three months, along the passage, for forcible deposition in a sitting posture on the street pavement: Alexander being black in the face with holding his breath after punishment, and a cool paving-stone being usually found to act as a powerful restorative in such cases.
The feelings of Mrs MacStinger, as a woman and a mother, were outraged by the look of pity for Alexander which she observed on Florence’s face. Therefore, Mrs MacStinger asserting those finest emotions of our nature, in preference to weakly gratifying her curiosity, shook and buffeted Alexander both before and during the application of the paving-stone, and took no further notice of the strangers.
‘I beg your pardon, Ma’am,’ said Florence, when the child had found his breath again, and was using it. ‘Is this Captain Cuttle’s house?’
‘No,’ said Mrs MacStinger.
‘Not Number Nine?’ asked Florence, hesitating.
‘Who said it wasn’t Number Nine?’ said Mrs MacStinger.
Susan Nipper instantly struck in, and begged to inquire what Mrs MacStinger meant by that, and if she knew whom she was talking to.
Mrs MacStinger in retort, looked at her all over. ‘What do you want with Captain Cuttle, I should wish to know?’ said Mrs MacStinger.
‘Should you? Then I’m sorry that you won’t be satisfied,’ returned Miss Nipper.
‘Hush, Susan! If you please!’ said Florence. ‘Perhaps you can have the goodness to tell us where Captain Cuttle lives, Ma’am as he don’t live here.’
‘Who says he don’t live here?’ retorted the implacable MacStinger. ‘I said it wasn’t Cap’en Cuttle’s house—and it ain’t his house—and forbid it, that it ever should be his house—for Cap’en Cuttle don’t know how to keep a house—and don’t deserve to have a house—it’s my house—and when I let the upper floor to Cap’en Cuttle, oh I do a thankless thing, and cast pearls before swine!’
Mod
Solemn Reference Is Made to Mr. Bunsby
Original sketch
Chapter 23
Phiz
Text Illustrated:
Bunsby, whose eye continued to be addressed to somewhere about the half-way house between London and Gravesend, two or three times put out his rough right arm, as seeking to wind it for inspiration round the fair form of Miss Nipper; but that young female having withdrawn herself, in displeasure, to the opposite side of the table, the soft heart of the Commander of the Cautious Clara met with no response to its impulses. After sundry failures in this wise, the Commander, addressing himself to nobody, thus spake; or rather the voice within him said of its own accord, and quite independent of himself, as if he were possessed by a gruff spirit:
‘My name’s Jack Bunsby!’
‘He was christened John,’ cried the delighted Captain Cuttle. ‘Hear him!’
‘And what I says,’ pursued the voice, after some deliberation, ‘I stands to.’
The Captain, with Florence on his arm, nodded at the auditory, and seemed to say, ‘Now he’s coming out. This is what I meant when I brought him.’
‘Whereby,’ proceeded the voice, ‘why not? If so, what odds? Can any man say otherwise? No. Awast then!’
When it had pursued its train of argument to this point, the voice stopped, and rested. It then proceeded very slowly, thus:
‘Do I believe that this here Son and Heir’s gone down, my lads? Mayhap. Do I say so? Which? If a skipper stands out by Sen’ George’s Channel, making for the Downs, what’s right ahead of him? The Goodwins. He isn’t forced to run upon the Goodwins, but he may. The bearings of this observation lays in the application on it. That ain’t no part of my duty. Awast then, keep a bright look-out for’ard, and good luck to you!’
The voice here went out of the back parlour and into the street, taking the Commander of the Cautious Clara with it, and accompanying him on board again with all convenient expedition, where he immediately turned in, and refreshed his mind with a nap.
Mod
The first appearance of Bunsby
Chapter 23
Felix O. C. Darley
Text Illustrated:
Captain Cuttle . . . led Florence across: returning presently for Miss Nipper. So they stood upon the deck of the Cautious Clara, in whose standing rigging, divers fluttering articles of dress were curing, in company with a few tongues and some mackerel.
Immediately there appeared, coming slowly up above the bulk-head of the cabin, another bulk-head — human, and very large — with one stationary eye in the mahogany face, and one revolving one, on the principle of some lighthouses. This head was decorated with shaggy hair, like oakum, which had no governing inclination towards the north, east, west, or south, but inclined to all four quarters of the compass, and to every point upon it. The head was followed by a perfect desert of chin, and by a shirt-collar and neckerchief, and by a dreadnought pilot-coat, and by a pair of dreadnought pilot-trousers, whereof the waistband was so very broad and high, that it became a succedaneum for a waistcoat: being ornamented near the wearer's breastbone with some massive wooden buttons, like backgammon men. As the lower portions of these pantaloons became revealed, Bunsby stood confessed; his hands in their pockets, which were of vast size; and his gaze directed, not to Captain Cuttle or the ladies, but the mast-head.
The profound appearance of this philosopher, who was bulky and strong, and on whose extremely red face an expression of taciturnity sat enthroned, not inconsistent with his character, in which that quality was proudly conspicuous, almost daunted Captain Cuttle, though on familiar terms with him. Whispering to Florence that Bunsby had never in his life expressed surprise, and was considered not to know what it meant, the Captain watched him as he eyed his mast-head, and afterwards swept the horizon.
Commentary:
Concerned about Walter's safety on the voyage to Barbados on behalf of her father's business, Florence Dombey (right of centre in the Darley illustration), accompanied by her maid, Susan Nipper, decides to pay a visit to Walter's Uncle Sol in order to ascertain whether he has had a letter from his nephew. However, finding only Rob the Grinder at The Wooden Midshipman, she asks for directions to Brig Place, thinking that Sol may be found at his friend's rooms. Once found, Captain Cuttle suggests that they consult another old sailor, Captain Bunsby. Cuttle, Bunsby, Florence, and Susan then return to Uncle Sol's home to determine the fate of Walter's vessel — this is the scene illustrated by Phiz in the original monthly parts, whereas Darley has realised the moment of arrival at Captain Jack Bunsby's vessel The Cautious Clara, moored at Radcliffe, represented by the buildings in the background. Shortly the reader will learn that Walter's uncle, Sol Gills, has also dropped out of sight.
Darley had precedent for an illustration of this group aboard The Cautious Clara in Part 8 of the original serial, with Phiz's picture of the visit to Sol Gils's map-strewn parlour, Solemn Reference is Made to Mr. Bunsby (May 1847) — even though Bunsby is at best a tertiary character, and hardly an oracle to be consulted about the fate of Walter Gay. The Darley scene, set above decks, is far less congested than Phiz's in Sol Gills's parlour, and is visually more engaging because of its giving prominence to the two old salts, the protective Captain Cuttle and the obtuse Captain Bunsby, with Florence and her maid in supporting roles. In place of the crowded Phiz composition whose centre is Sol Gills, a map, and Susan Nipper, Darley has organized the composition so that the emphasis is on the comic characters with the amusing visages and extraordinary costumes, Bunsby and Cuttle.
Mod
Mr. Carker introduces himself
Chapter 24
Phiz
Original sketch
Text Illustrated:
This was the order of procedure on the afternoon in question; and Florence had almost succeeded in overruling the present objections of Skettles Junior to his destiny, when a gentleman on horseback came riding by, looked at them earnestly as he passed, drew in his rein, wheeled round, and came riding back again, hat in hand.
The gentleman had looked particularly at Florence; and when the little party stopped, on his riding back, he bowed to her, before saluting Sir Barnet and his lady. Florence had no remembrance of having ever seen him, but she started involuntarily when he came near her, and drew back.
‘My horse is perfectly quiet, I assure you,’ said the gentleman.
It was not that, but something in the gentleman himself—Florence could not have said what—that made her recoil as if she had been stung.
‘I have the honour to address Miss Dombey, I believe?’ said the gentleman, with a most persuasive smile. On Florence inclining her head, he added, ‘My name is Carker. I can hardly hope to be remembered by Miss Dombey, except by name. Carker.’
Commentary:
From Part VIII to Part X, a further sequence of five plates develops the theme of sexual conflict along the Dombey-Edith-Carker axis of the novel. In "Mr. Carker introduces himself to Florence and the Skettles family" (ch. 24), the novel's most sinister villain shows his teeth to Florence and, graphically, to us for the first time. Browne could never have incorporated most of the text's details into his illustration: Carker whispering to Florence that Walter's ship has not been heard of yet (and the insinuation that Carker is thinking about Florence as a possible wife for himself) and the unspoken communication between them about Florence's complex feelings toward her father, whom she loves but knows would not be pleased to hear from her. Instead, Browne stresses general things about Mr. Dombey's confidential agent not mentioned explicitly in chapter 24. Carker holds a close rein on his horse so that the animal is totally dominated. Carker's nastiness is also alluded to comically. In chapter 22, Dickens had referred to the naturalness of Diogenes' antagonism to Carker: "You have a good scent, Di, — cats, boy, cats!". In the etching, the natural world's instinctive reaction to Carker's evil slyness is brought out not only by the little dog running toward him, but also by the ducks flying away and the donkey raising his ears in terror. The geese, with their upright necks, also parody the dreadfully snobbish and stiff-necked Skettleses in this illustration. In the companion etching, "Solemn reference is made to Mr. Bunsby" (ch. 23), Florence is almost an exact mirror-image of herself, even linking her arm in someone else's in both plates; in both she also listens to a man speak of Walter's fate at sea.
Mod
The flowers were scattered on the ground like dust
Chapter 24
Fred Barnard
Text Illustrated:
‘My Kate,’ said the lady, whose voice was serious, but very calm and sweet, and had so impressed Florence from the first moment of her hearing it, ‘of all the youthful people here, you are her natural and harmless friend; you have not the innocent means, that happier children have—’
‘There are none happier, aunt!’ exclaimed the child, who seemed to cling about her.
‘—As other children have, dear Kate, of reminding her of her misfortune. Therefore I would have you, when you try to be her little friend, try all the more for that, and feel that the bereavement you sustained—thank Heaven! before you knew its weight—gives you claim and hold upon poor Florence.’
‘But I am not without a parent’s love, aunt, and I never have been,’ said the child, ‘with you.’
‘However that may be, my dear,’ returned the lady, ‘your misfortune is a lighter one than Florence’s; for not an orphan in the wide world can be so deserted as the child who is an outcast from a living parent’s love.’
The flowers were scattered on the ground like dust; the empty hands were spread upon the face; and orphaned Florence, shrinking down upon the ground, wept long and bitterly.
But true of heart and resolute in her good purpose, Florence held to it as her dying mother held by her upon the day that gave Paul life. He did not know how much she loved him. However long the time in coming, and however slow the interval, she must try to bring that knowledge to her father’s heart one day or other. Meantime she must be careful in no thoughtless word, or look, or burst of feeling awakened by any chance circumstance, to complain against him, or to give occasion for these whispers to his prejudice.
Mod
The captain's voice was so tremendous, and he came out of his corner with such way on him, that Rob retreated before him into another corner
Chapter 25
Fred Barnard
Text Illustrated:
‘Well, Sir,’ said Rob, ‘I ain’t got much to tell. But look here!’
Rob produced a bundle of keys. The Captain surveyed them, remained in his corner, and surveyed the messenger.
‘And look here!’ pursued Rob.
The boy produced a sealed packet, which Captain Cuttle stared at as he had stared at the keys.
‘When I woke this morning, Captain,’ said Rob, ‘which was about a quarter after five, I found these on my pillow. The shop-door was unbolted and unlocked, and Mr Gills gone.’
‘Gone!’ roared the Captain.
‘Flowed, Sir,’ returned Rob.
The Captain’s voice was so tremendous, and he came out of his corner with such way on him, that Rob retreated before him into another corner: holding out the keys and packet, to prevent himself from being run down.
‘“For Captain Cuttle,” Sir,’ cried Rob, ‘is on the keys, and on the packet too. Upon my word and honour, Captain Cuttle, I don’t know anything more about it. I wish I may die if I do! Here’s a sitiwation for a lad that’s just got a sitiwation,’ cried the unfortunate Grinder, screwing his cuff into his face: ‘his master bolted with his place, and him blamed for it!’
These lamentations had reference to Captain Cuttle’s gaze, or rather glare, which was full of vague suspicions, threatenings, and denunciations. Taking the proffered packet from his hand, the Captain opened it and read as follows:—
‘“My dear Ned Cuttle. Enclosed is my will!”’ The Captain turned it over, with a doubtful look—‘"and Testament”—Where’s the Testament?’ said the Captain, instantly impeaching the ill-fated Grinder. ‘What have you done with that, my lad?’
‘I never see it,’ whimpered Rob. ‘Don’t keep on suspecting an innocent lad, Captain. I never touched the Testament.’
Mod
Mrs MacStinger
Tristram wrote: "I don't know Americanah, but when you call her Dickensian does that mean that there was humour in Americanah or are you mainly referring to the world-building skills? There was no humour in Purple Hibiscus, but the characters really did come to life!..."Yes, Americanah's very funny in parts, and sometimes pretty stinging satire. Kind of disappointed to hear there's not more of the same in Purple Hibiscus.
Kim wrote: "I can't leave without at least one Kyd illustration:
Mrs MacStinger"
Kid is pretty consistent, that's for sure!
Thank you for the great pictures again, Kim.
Mrs MacStinger"
Kid is pretty consistent, that's for sure!
Thank you for the great pictures again, Kim.
Mod
Mr. Carker introduces himself
Chapter 24
Phiz
Original sketch
Text Illustrated:
This was the order of procedure on the afternoon in question; and Florence had almost succeeded in overrul..."
Thanks Kim.
Yes indeed. The commentary points out how Browne strategically places emblematic details in the background of this illustration which clearly comment on the events in the foreground. All the animals are on alert or fleeing from the scene. Each of these animals sense Carker’s wickedness.
Mod
The flowers were scattered on the ground like dust
Chapter 24
Fred Barnard
Text Illustrated:
‘My Kate,’ said the lady, whose voice was serious, but very calm and sweet, and had so impressed F..."
The scattered flowers on the floor. Such a powerful image and commentary on Florence’s plight. We should keep our eyes open for any further appearances of flowers in the text or an illustration.
Mod
Mrs MacStinger"
Ah Kyd. The illustration has a nice touch by having MacStinger wearing a pair of lifters on her shoes to keep her feet above the street dirt and filth.
That's also because in the book she wears pattens all the time of course ;-)
Mod
Jantine
Thank you for giving us the correct word for Mrs MacStinger's footwear attachment. Pattens. I kew what they were meant for but not their correct name.
I am now blushing at the fact I called them “lifters.”
Well, it conveyed what they are for, right? ;-) Knowing the right word helps connecting it to the book though, in this case. And I wonder if we will see more of Mrs. MacStinger, and if she proves to be as much trying to get herself above the dirt of the world as she seems to be.
Mod
I am certain Mrs MacStinger will be striding into future chapters, no doubt wearing her pattens. :-)
Mod
No one ever does."
Still, children learn even less in home schooling :-) The only thing my son learnt during the last few weeks was how dumb I am in sciences ;-)
Mod
Poor, poor Nipper."
Hmmm, but maybe, Dolly Varden would get jealous ;-)
Mod
I forgot about them. What was the point of them anyway? Will they b..."
I think their purpose was to aggravate Florence's doubts about herself: Here was a daughter whose behaviour was extremely ungracious and testy, and yet her father loved her. Might that not be interpreted by Florence that something must be very, very wrong with her about a person? After all, Florence behaves nicely, tries to win her father's favour instead of being peevish, and yet she is not loved by her father. Florence would never think that there was something amiss with her father, and so her only conclusion could be that it was her own fault. She was even less lovable, in her own eyes, to her father than that sullen girl is by her father.
Mod
Even if there is no humour in Purple Hibiscus - as a grumpy old man I might just have missed it, on second thoughts -, let that not discourage you from reading the book. It is one of the best books I have read so far this year. - What you say about Americanah makes me very curious about that book, and I think I'll buy it at my local bookshop. I've already got Half of a Yellow Sun but haven't read it so far.
Tristram wrote: "Julie wrote: "Tristram wrote: "I don't know Americanah, but when you call her Dickensian does that mean that there was humour in Americanah or are you mainly referring to the world-building skills?..."I will have to look at Hibiscus then!
Tristram wrote: "I think their purpose was to aggravate Florence's doubts about herself: Here was a daughter whose behaviour was extremely ungracious and testy, and yet her father loved her. ?..."I think that's true but I also thought it was a sort of commentary on just how often love can be unequal. Here's Florence with a father who won't love her, and here's this man with a daughter who won't love him. Very sad on both counts.
Mod
No one ever does."
Still, children learn even les..."
Why, aren't there enough long words in science for you?
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Mrs. MacStinger
Susan Nipper
Edith
Miss Blimber
Miss Tox
Mrs. Chick
Mrs. Pipchin
Good Mrs. Brown
Lovely aren't they?
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I shutter to think how Kyd would represent Florence.
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And I'll get Americanah.
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..."
Love is never fair play :-)
I hope that you are all safe and sound out there. Dombey and Son is a brilliant novel in itself, but in times like these it is even more precious to me in that it is a means of getting my mind away from the daily worries about the virus. What can we expect from our story this week? In short, we are getting a lot of insight into Florence’s mind, we are getting to know an epitome of wisdom, we spend some time with Sir Barnet Skettles, who might introduce us to anyone we like (except Cicero, what a shame), and one of our characters mysteriously disappears.
But let’s neatly go chapter by chapter, starting with Chapter 23, which is called Florence Solitary, and the Midshipman Mysterious
Major Events
With her father being absent, Florence has the run of the dismal London house for herself, and she can even venture to intrude into the rooms that are usually the exclusive realm of Mr. Dombey. She often does so, leaving tokens of her love there, then bethinking herself that in the event of his return he might be angry at finding them, and consequently taking them away again. Susan Nipper extracts her from that dreary existence by pointing out that she should accept the invitation from the Skettleses, and Florence finally gives in. However, before going, she wants to have her mind at rest with regard to Walter, whose ship has not been heard of for quite a long time. In order to find information Susan and Florence go to see Old Sol, who happens to be out, as Rob the Grinder tells them. They then decide to pay a visit to Captain Cuttle and intrude on Mrs. Mac Stinger in the process of cleaning her house. A wonderful altercation between Mrs. Mac Stinger and the Nipper ensues, which might make us think that in point of a sharp tongue and a readiness to fight, the venerable landlady might have found her master. Captain Cuttle is quite happy to have the opportunity of getting away from the house and his irritable landlady, his idea being to pay a visit to his friend Bunsby, Captain of the Careful Clara, and to induce that seaman to give his opinion on the course and the fortune of the Son and Heir. Together with Bunsby, they repair to the Midshipman and find Old Sol present. Like all good oracles who have enough self-respect, Captain Bunsby delivers but vague information and then departs. Uncle Sol appears very sad and even somewhat addled to Florence and the Captain, and they put it down to his fears for Walter. After the Captain has taken Florence and Susan home, he returns to his friend, whom he sees pouring over a document he is in the process of writing – and so the Captain thoughtfully withdraws.
Thoughts, Quotes, and Questions
The story has now returned from livelier scenes and characters to Florence and her secluded life, and there are three passages ending in the words,
What images rise up in your mind when you think of Gorgons and of words like “blank”, “cold” and “monotonous” in connection with the Dombey household?
The Dombey household also seems like a one of those dead castles in a fairy tale, with rooms belonging to dead people – the narrator points out that two rooms are associated with people who have died, and we know whom – and Florence wanders through that house every day. It’s good that there is someone like the Nipper who reminds her that there is a world of life outside because in a way Florence’s lingering among all those memories reminds me of Miss Havisham in Great Expectations. What might keep Florence from more and more becoming entangled with memories and forgetting the outside world?
The introduction of Captain Bunsby is apparently meant for comic relief, and so is the latest appearance of Mrs. Mac Stinger. How do you react to these two characters? Do you find them annoying, superfluous, funny? I must confess that although Mrs. Mac Stinger makes me laugh, I find it hard to reconcile her antics with the fact that Dombey and Son is a more realistic and mature novel and that we are no longer treading Nickleby ground here. I really love the Nipper more and more, though, as when we have this little argument:
What might be Rob’s role in this whole thing? How do you like him? I am afraid he did not learn a lot at the school where Mr. Dombey put him because when he tries to write down what he learnt, the narrator says, ”for long before a word was dry, it became as profound a mystery to Rob, as if he had had no part whatever in its production.” This might say a lot about the kind of school, or about Rob.
This chapter all in all seems rather long for what is happening but it does give us some insight into some of the characters, especially into poor Sol Gills who seems to be going to pieces.