Florence’s Internal Strength and Power in Charles Dickens’ "Dombey and Son"

An analysis

Essay , 2013 , 9 Seiten

Didaktik für das Fach Englisch - Literatur, Werke

The relationship between a father and his daughter is a well explored concept in Charles Dickens' novel "Dombey and Son". Various critics have suggested that the protagonists daughter, Florence, should be interpreted as a meek and feeble damsel in distress, tortured by her father’s inability to love her. Florence’s refusal to stand up to her father and unending quest for his love are represented as weaknesses that deem her a “fairy-tale princess”. Is it possible, then, to reverse the lens and consider Florence an emblem of strength? Or does her father's abuse diminish her capacity as a nineteenth century heroine?
This essay offers a character analysis on the basis of the text.

Inhaltsverzeichnis (Table of Contents)

• Florence's Internal Strength and Power in Dickens' Dombey and Son
• Mr. Dombey's Hatred for Florence
• Florence as a Rival for Attention
• Florence's Power to Change
• The Abusive Relationship
• Florence's Resilience
• The Cobra Relationship

Zielsetzung und Themenschwerpunkte (Objectives and Key Themes)

This essay aims to challenge the traditional interpretation of Florence Dombey as a meek and submissive character in Charles Dickens' Dombey and Son. It argues that Florence, despite facing emotional abuse from her father, possesses internal strength and power.

• The complex and abusive relationship between a father and daughter
• The power dynamics in a patriarchal society
• The portrayal of female characters as symbols of strength and resilience
• The impact of emotional abuse on victims
• The role of gender and societal expectations in shaping individual identities

Zusammenfassung der Kapitel (Chapter Summaries)

The essay begins by examining the reasons behind Mr. Dombey's hatred for his daughter. It argues that his animosity stems from Florence's ability to disrupt his pre-determined plans for his family and business. Florence represents change and unpredictability, which Mr. Dombey fears.

The essay then explores Florence's role as a rival for Mr. Dombey's attention and her ability to form a "new alliance" against him with Edith. It highlights Florence's power to undermine and confirm Mr. Dombey's authority, further threatening his position as the head of his household and business.

The essay further discusses Florence's capacity for change and how this terrifies Mr. Dombey. It argues that Florence, like Edith, challenges Mr. Dombey's perception of women as unchanging and predictable.

Finally, the essay examines the abusive relationship between Florence and Mr. Dombey, highlighting the complexities of familial relationships and the specific dynamics of parent-child mistreatment. It argues that Florence's resilience and ability to withstand her father's abuse demonstrate her inner strength and power.

Schlüsselwörter (Keywords)

The primary focus of this essay is on the portrayal of Florence Dombey in Charles Dickens' Dombey and Son. Key themes include emotional abuse, familial relationships, power dynamics, female characters, and the representation of strength and resilience. The essay also explores concepts such as patriarchal society, societal expectations, and the "cobra relationship" dynamic.

• Autor: Charlotte Ljustina (Autor:in)
• Erscheinungsjahr: 2013
• Seiten: 9
• Katalognummer: V307718
• ISBN (eBook): 9783668059443
• ISBN (Buch): 9783668059450
• Sprache: Englisch
• Schlagworte: charles dickens, literary analysis, dombey and son, florence, character, analysis, nineteenth century