The Sea

The sea is a recurring symbol that generally represents something boundless and largely unknowable. Through most of the novel, the sea seems to represent death and is a constant presence whenever a character dies. However, later in the book, Florence associates the sea and the waves with the boundless, vast love she feels for her new husband and family. In both cases, the sea is a symbol for everything that is mysterious and limitless about the world.

Mr. Carker's teeth

Mr. Carker's disturbingly straight, white teeth are symbols of his deceptiveness and his animal-like nature. Though, on the surface, his teeth are perfect, something about their perfection gives him a creepy, unsettling air, suggesting that though he looks and acts the part of a deferential servant to Dombey, underneath he is planning Dombey's demise.

Dombey's House

Dombey's house is always a symbol of his inner...