Study Guide for Dombey and Son & Comprehension Test

Dombey and Son
by Charles Dickens
About_
This study guide accompanies Charles Dickens’s novel Dombey and Son, which follows the proud shipping magnate
Mr. Dombey as he navigates family tragedy, a troubled second marriage, and his fraught relationship with his
devoted daughter Florence. Students will trace themes of pride, neglect, loyalty, and redemption as the story
moves from the London counting-house to the sea and back again. Each chapter section includes comprehension
and analysis questions to guide close reading. This study guide contains 130 questions across 10 chapter sections
(100 Factual + 30 Critical), 1 Crossword Puzzle (12 clues), and 1 Character Focus Activity.
What’s Included_
This study guide features 10 sets of 10 Factual Questions with an answer key (100 total), 10 sets of 3 Critical
Analysis Questions (30 total), 1 Crossword Puzzle (12 clues), and 1 Character Focus Activity (8 traits + evidence
prompt + critical thinking question).
Target Grades_
Grades 9-11
Teacher Note_
This guide is designed to save you preparation time while giving students a structured path through a dense,
multi-plot Victorian novel. The factual questions build chapter-by-chapter comprehension and vocabulary of
names and events, while the critical questions push students to analyze motive, theme, and character growth. We
hope it helps your class connect with Dickens’s rich cast and enduring themes of family and forgiveness!