Who Captain Cuttle is
Captain Cuttle belongs to the affectionate circle around the Wooden Midshipman, a shop selling ships' instruments in the City. He is a retired sea captain with a hook for a hand, whose nautical sayings help give him his comic character.
His muddled manner sits alongside real kindness, and his loyalty matters more than polish or position. The shop's world of charts and brass instruments offers a warm contrast to the grand, chilly Dombey house.
Captain Cuttle and the others in the story
Solomon Gills, the old instrument maker who owns the shop, is Captain Cuttle's closest friend. Solomon's nephew Walter Gay works as a junior clerk at Dombey and Son, and Cuttle is deeply fond of him.
Together, the three form a small family held together by affection rather than money. When news from the sea brings worries to their circle, Captain Cuttle looks after what he can. His care also places him among the people whose kindness offers Florence something her father's house withholds.
A best-known line
“When found, make a note of.”
Questions
Who is Captain Cuttle in Dombey and Son?
Captain Cuttle is a kind, sometimes muddled retired sea captain associated with the Wooden Midshipman shop.
Is Captain Cuttle related to Walter Gay?
Captain Cuttle is a devoted friend, not Walter's uncle. Walter's uncle is Solomon Gills, Cuttle's closest friend.
What does Captain Cuttle represent?
Captain Cuttle represents loyalty and ordinary kindness. His affectionate circle shows how people can make a home through care rather than wealth.
