HIGH SCORE

	Through gently sarcastic diction and selective detail, and repetition of 
the key phrase "Dombey and Son," the author conveys an attitude of disdain 
for Dombey's egotism and selfishness, and of sympathy and pity for Mrs. 
Dombey and the baby.  Although the author does not directly state these 
feelings for the characters, he succeeds in subtly communicating them to the 
reader, thus shaping the reader's own perceptions of Dombey, his wife, and 
his son.
	A common theme throughout the passage is Dombey's preoccupation 
with what his son's birth means to him and his own life.  He is "exulting in the 
long-looked-for event," rather than experiencing his son's birth as a blessing 
and overwhelmingly joyous occasion.  The word "event" reveals just what the 
birth means for him.  It does not suggest any love or true happiness, just 
something to watch and indulge in.  His son is "eight-and-forty minutes" old, 
but Dombey is already thinking about the future, mapping out his child's life 
before the latter even leaves the bed.
	Dombey's words toward his wife further reveal the sense of 
possession he feels for his son's life.  "He will be christened Paul," he 
declares.  Of course, the unfortunate Mrs. Dombey cannot argue because she 
is too weak and sick.  Dombey uses her weakness as an opportunity to assert 
his own authority.
	One cannot help but pity Mrs. Dombey, and especially the baby.  
Now that the author has established Dombey as a despicable character, very 
worthy of dislike, he evokes sorrow for Dombey's wife and son's situation.  
The son has immediately been saddled with expectations of "Dombey and 
Son," which he will undoubtedly hear throughout his life from his controlling 
father.  Dombey envisions a bond with his son -- "rivers and seas were 
formed to float their ships" -- but not out of love, out of excitement for a 
business venture.  The child's life has already been decided for him, taken 
from him, and he cannot even muster a response.  His mother cannot stand up 
for him -- she has just given birth.  Dombey is in charge.  The description of 
Time and Care suggests that Dombey has waited a long time for this, perhaps 
his entire life.  He doesn't want to miss the chance to mold his dream of a 
"Dombey and Son" team.  But the author doesn't look on this favorably at all.  
The reader understands that the man is completely unjustified in his motives, 
and sympathizes with Mrs. Dombey and the child for having to submit to his 
desires.
	The final paragraph, where "Dombey and Son" is repeated, reinforces 
Dombey's one-track mind.  He can only think about how his son's birth 
benefits him, and consequently misses out on the joy the birth should bring 
him.


This essay received a high score because it completey answers the question, 
thoroughly analyzing both the narrator's attitude and how, in turn, his 
techniques affect the reader's attitude.  It mentions the repetition of "Dombey 
and Son" and how that shows Dombey's obsession with a future business 
partnership with his son.  The writer correctly observes the theme of 
Dombey's egotistical nature and the narrator's scorn for it, and he/she uses 
specific references to the text to support his/her assertions.