Considering the story of the novel, what does the title Dombey and Son stand for?

Correct option is A

Explanation:

The title Dombey and Son refers to the primary conflict in the novel, where Mr. Dombey, the central character, is obsessed with having a son to carry on his name and his business.

His neglect and harsh treatment of his daughter, Florence, stem from this obsession with a male heir.

The title highlights the social and emotional importance placed on the son, which mirrors the societal values of the time, where inheritance and legacy were typically passed through male heirs.

The choice between a son and a daughter is not just a personal preference for Mr. Dombey but is tied to his views on business, legacy, and status.

Information Booster:

The novel Dombey and Son by Charles Dickens revolves around the character of Mr. Dombey, a wealthy, arrogant businessman, who dismisses his daughter and is consumed by the desire for a son who will inherit his fortune.

Florence Dombey, the daughter, is largely neglected and mistreated throughout the novel, as her father sees her as a disappointment due to her gender.

The novel critiques the social norms of the Victorian era, particularly the treatment of women and the obsession with male heirs.

The father-son relationship in the story is central, with Mr. Dombey’s fixation on his son being both a literal and symbolic representation of the social expectations of the time.

Dombey and Son is a commentary on the patriarchal values of inheritance, business, and family dynamics in 19th-century England.
​
Additional Information:
Option 2 suggests the commercial aspect of life – While the novel does touch upon the commercial aspect, it is more focused on the personal relationships and the emotional consequences of Mr. Dombey’s obsession with having a male heir, rather than the commercial world itself.

Option 3 suggests the opposition between a father and a son – While there is some tension between Mr. Dombey and his son, the key focus of the story is on the father's preference for a son over a daughter.

The primary opposition is more about the neglect of the daughter rather than an active conflict between father and son.

Option 4 suggests the importance of a dynasty – Although Mr. Dombey’s concern with his legacy and the continuation of his name is an important theme, the title focuses more on his preference for a son and the impact of this desire on his relationship with his daughter, rather than solely on the concept of a dynasty.