Dombi And Son

This is a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Dombi and Son" (often translated as " Dombi and Son" or "The Poor Relation's Story") by Charles Dickens, as edited by Gopaldas Jivabhai Patel and published by Parivar Prakashan Sahakari Mandir, Ahmedabad.

The book appears to be a Gujarati translation and adaptation of Charles Dickens' novel, with the title "Dombi and Son" (ડોબી એન્ડ સન) and subtitle "Tavangarnu Santan" (તવંગરનું સંતાન), meaning "The Child of the Rich."

Here's a breakdown of the key aspects from the provided text:

1. Title and Author:

• Book Title: Dombi and Son (ડોબી એન્ડ સન)
• Original Author: Charles Dickens
• Gujarati Translator/Adapter: Gopaldas Jivabhai Patel
• Publisher: Parivar Prakashan Sahakari Mandir, Ahmedabad
• Catalog Link: https://jainqq.org/explore/005192/1
• Jain Education International: The text explicitly states "JAIN EDUCATION INTERNATIONAL FOR PRIVATE AND PERSONAL USE ONLY," indicating its context within Jain educational resources.

2. Publisher's Introduction/Foreword (Page 4-7):

The publisher's statement highlights several key themes and observations about the novel and its relevance:

• Nature of Wealth: Wealth is described as being like raw mercury, powerful and potentially dangerous. While some individuals, like true 'Mahajans' (great people), can handle its pressure, sudden wealth can overwhelm ordinary people, leading to confusion and negative consequences in their personal and social lives.
• Mr. Dombey's Character: Mr. Dombey is presented as a successful and wealthy merchant, likely involved in the East India trade, who is consumed by the pride of his new prosperity. This arrogance significantly impacts his dealings with his children.
• Impact on Children: The publisher points out that Dombey's wealth and pride lead him to provide a very specialized and isolated education for his son, separating him from other children. The book critiques the "experts" in this new rich society who cater to the vanity of the newly wealthy, often without a holistic understanding of the value of life or the long-term consequences of their methods.
• Mr. Dombey's Neglect: Mr. Dombey is shown to neglect his daughter, Florence, because he values his son more for the continuation of his business. Florence remains ignored and abandoned until the end, where the narrator cleverly uses her to bring Mr. Dombey to his desolate state.
• Societal Critique: The novel is seen as a sharp depiction of the flaws arising in societies experiencing rapid wealth accumulation. It serves as a warning.
• Relevance to Contemporary Society: The publisher draws a parallel to contemporary Indian society, where new wealth is being acquired through foreign aid, loans, and projects. This wealth is accumulated by contractors, traders, professionals, and, importantly, officials and experts. The novel offers a timely warning to such individuals and society.
• Concerns about Foreign Influence: The publisher expresses concern about parents rushing to enroll their children in foreign institutions, which instill foreign values from childhood. They question the well-being parents hope to achieve for their children and the nation through such education, especially considering potential foreign interests and conflicts during times of foreign influence. The Nehruvian policy of promoting foreign language-medium education is deemed dangerous, and the publisher believes only a public revolution can overturn it.
• Dickens' Skill: The editor praises Dickens' success in creating suspense and entertainment, even when writing for mere amusement. His keen observation and precise criticism are evident in the novel.
• Editor's Role: The editor's skillful condensation of the original novel is commended for preserving its essence, flow, and Dickens' craft, while also doing justice to his literary skill.
• Gopaldas Patel's Contribution: Gopaldas Patel is praised for his unique and engaging method of translating world literature, including religious texts, into Gujarati. His work makes invaluable world literature accessible to Gujarati readers, especially those who may not read English.
• Dr. Motibhai Patel's Foreword: Dr. Motibhai Patel is thanked for writing an introductory piece titled "The Calamity of Capitalism" (ધનિકશાહીની આફત).
• Acknowledgements: The publisher also thanks the Navjivan Sanstha's workers, artists, and the artist Shri Rajni Vyas for their contribution to the beautiful and clean publication.

3. Table of Contents (Page 8-10):

The table of contents lists 60 chapters, indicating a long and detailed novel. It includes key plot points and character introductions, such as:

• Birth of the Son
• Mr. Dombey's Home Department
• Uncle and Nephew
• Paul's Upbringing
• Walter's Predicament
• The Tragedy of Florence
• Mr. Dombey's Journey
• Captain Cuttle's Exploits
• The Danger of Wealth
• And many more, detailing the progression of the story and various character arcs.

4. Introduction "The Calamity of Capitalism" by Dr. Motibhai Patel (Page 12-18):

Dr. Motibhai Patel's introduction provides a deeper analysis:

• Dickens' Social Commentary: Dickens, writing during the Victorian era, aimed to expose the flaws and hypocrisies of his society, particularly the impact of industrialization and wealth on individuals and families. He wrote as a humanist to cultivate public opinion against these issues.
• Gujarati Language's Capacity: The introduction emphasizes the Gujarati language's ability to capture the nuances of world literature.
• Dickens' Characters and Themes: The novel vividly portrays various family relationships (father-son, father-daughter, siblings, husband-wife, master-servant, friends-enemies) and their complex interactions, making the long story captivating.
• Story's Beginning: The story starts with Mr. Dombey's birth of a son, while his six-year-old daughter Florence is overlooked. Mr. Dombey, a proud heir to a large firm, believes a woman is fortunate to marry him.
• Mr. Dombey's Personality: He is described as a leather merchant, detached from emotions, and unaware of the exchange of love in marriage. He believes any woman should consider marrying him a great honor and fulfillment, negating the need for love. His first wife dies shortly after their son's birth, impacting him only by a reduction in household items. He desires no friends and was indifferent to them.
• Florence's Character: Florence's character is presented as a victim of her father's wealth and ambition. Orphaned at a young age and abandoned by her father, she harbors a deep love for her younger brother. She constantly tries to understand how to gain her father's affection, even by observing her stepmother.
• Second Wife's Departure: On the day his second wife, Edith, flees, Mr. Dombey banishes Florence, considering her a consequence of his ill-fated marriage.
• The Cycle of Wealth and Pride: The novel illustrates how new wealth, without inherited nobility, leads to arrogance. Mr. Dombey's pride is ultimately shattered when his business collapses, forcing him to become more pliable.
• Dombey's View of Money: His concept of money is peculiar, believing all virtues reside in wealth, and that money can achieve anything.
• Florence's Experience: The book chronicles Florence's life, her yearning for paternal love, and her experiences of abandonment and neglect.
• Manager John Carker: Carker is portrayed as a cunning and wicked character who betrays his employer and family, ultimately meeting a deserved end. Dickens uses this character to highlight deceit and treachery in human life.
• The Kindness of James and Harriet Carker: Carker's brother, James, and sister, Harriet, provide financial assistance to Dombey after John Carker's death, demonstrating brotherly and sisterly love. Harriet's sacrifice to support her brother is particularly noted.
• Victorian Society: The novel offers a glimpse into Victorian society, including aspects of medical services where doctors might prioritize their own gain over patient welfare. It also touches upon the practice of parents "trading" their attractive daughters for marriage into wealthy families.
• A Tribute to Dickens: Dr. Motibhai Patel concludes by paying homage to Dickens and welcoming this Gujarati translation, stating it will hold a rightful place in Gujarati literature and world literature translations.

5. Character List (Page 19-22):

This provides a detailed list of characters with brief descriptions, which is crucial for understanding the novel's intricate plot and relationships.

6. Excerpts from the Novel (Page 24 onwards):

The provided text also includes several opening chapters of the Gujarati translation, illustrating:

• The Birth of Paul: Mr. Dombey's obsession with having a son to continue the "Dombey and Son" legacy.
• Dombey's Character in Action: His coldness and detachment, even towards his newborn son and his wife.
• Florence's Early Life: Her longing for her father's love and her quiet suffering.
• Walter's Introduction: His meeting with his uncle, Solomon Gillis, and his first day at Dombey's office, encountering Mr. Carker.
• Paul's Naming Ceremony: The formal naming of Paul, reinforcing the "Dombey and Son" identity.
• Paul's Poor Upbringing and Health: The detailed description of Paul's fragile health and the concerning educational methods applied to him.
• Florence's Strays and Walter's Help: Florence getting lost and Walter finding her, leading to their connection.
• The Role of Supporting Characters: The introduction of characters like Captain Cuttle, Miss Tox, Mrs. Pipchin, and others, who play significant roles in the lives of the main characters.
• Mr. Dombey's Travel and Social Interactions: His encounters and the societal commentary interwoven through them.
• The "Dombey and Son" Business: Insights into the functioning and the prevailing business ethics of the time.
• The Education System Critique: The novel delves into the flaws of the educational system, especially the emphasis on rote learning and the lack of holistic development.

Overall Significance:

"Dombi and Son" as presented in this Gujarati translation is a substantial work that critically examines the corrupting influence of wealth, the importance of family relationships, the neglect of children's emotional well-being in pursuit of social status, and the moral and societal critiques of the Victorian era. Gopaldas Jivabhai Patel's adaptation aims to make these profound themes accessible and relevant to Gujarati readers, particularly within a Jain educational framework. The inclusion of introductions by prominent figures like Dr. Motibhai Patel further underscores the book's perceived importance and its role in promoting global literary awareness.