by Jeanne Dininni

Created on: February 10, 2007   Last Updated: May 08, 2007

LOVE THAT MAKES A DIFFERENCE: The Transformation of Paul Dombey in the Novel 'Dombey and Son'

The novel, 'Dombey and Son,' by Charles Dickens, paints a particularly vivid picture of both the nature and the redemptive power of love. Throughout the novel's myriad twists of plot and turns of phrase, that mightiest of transforming influences is depicted-with singular literary skill and creative cunning, by a master of metaphor and king of characterization-as the only successful means of regenerating the dead and decaying spirit.

As the story unfolds, we witness the sacrificial, generous, merciful, and steadfast character of love (epitomized in Florence Dombey,) weathering virtually innumerable and increasingly turbulent and soul-chilling storms of rejection, neglect, and bitterness-turned-to-hatred (issuing from her father.) Yet through it all, this love remains, true to its nature, stable and constant, until finally, emerging triumphant (and strong as ever it was) it is able to realize its long-deferred goal of reconciliation and mutual endearment and to enjoy the unique privilege of effecting the timely rescue and tender restoration of the now-bereft and broken object of its enduring affections.

Transcendent Love
Such transcendent love-the only form capable of effecting such a transformation in human affairs and human hearts-is characterized by certain qualities which work together in perfect harmony to generate its unparalleled power: the power which runs, like an unbreakable cord, through every chapter of Dombey and Son, binding the entire novel together throughout the gradual revelation of its eternal theme.

Selflessness
Through this inspiring tale, we learn that love is marked by a selflessness that is perfectly willing to sacrifice for the benefit of the beloved, with Florence Dombey illustrating this truth quite vividly in her actions toward both her father and her brother, Paul.

Her love for her unresponsive father is strong enough to bear his slights and yet continue to flourish. We see this on the evening on which she shyly ventures into his study (after one of her nightly visits finds his door ajar) and, aching to share the burden of their common loss (of mother and wife,) is spurned once again, and yet finds within her, nonetheless, sufficient affection to enable her to respond, through her tears, "Good night, dear Papa" (p. 216, par. 13,) before retreating and returning to her solitary room-and world.

On a later visit to the same study (now empty during her

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