Published during the decade of social and economic disturbance of the 1840s, Dombey and son represents Dickens's optimistic view of the Industrial Revolution. Especially, the railroad is the embodiment of his vision for the future. Dickens vividly and enthusiastically describes the sight of the railroad construction. In addition to the physical appearance of the building site, the railroad takes various roles to convey what Dickens wishes to say as a social reformer, which include class distinctions and morality. Mr. Dombey's despondence on the train, withholding his heartful appreciation of the new era, resorting to death, signifies his failure in his business, and his morality resulted from anachronistic sentiment and attitude. In contrast with the Dombey household, the Toodles represent an ideal family. Together with the symbolic meaning of their clean house, Polly's humanity as a wet nurse is beyond Mr. Dombey's attempt to limit their relationship only in pecuniary concern. Unlike Mr. Dombey's rigidity with unflinching pride and the collapse of his firm, Mr. Toodle's optimistic attitude and his success, getting a professional job as an engine man, reflects his adaptability and triumphant living during the dynamic change of society. In this sense, Dickens's happy resolution in Dombey and Son is not so much erroneous as consistent with his sanguine outlook on socioeconomic reform.
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