Question

question 2 of 5
passage 1
literary narrative: this passage is adapted from dombey and son by charles dickens (©1848 by bradbury & evans)
when at last a son was born to mr dombey, it wakened something at the bottom of his heart. he named the boy paul and began at once to long for the time when he should become old enough to be a real member of the firm in which all his own interest centred-dombey and son. so selfishly was the fathers soul wrapped up in this that he scarcely ever noticed his poor, lonely little daughter, florence
the first paragraph (highlighted text) most nearly means that mr. dombey:
a had been awakened to a deep paternal love when his son was born.
b was mainly focused on having his son follow in his footsteps.
c prevented his children from suffering ill health.
d devoted himself to being a companion for his two children.

Explanation:

The text mentions that Mr. Dombey named his son Paul and immediately started longing for the time when his son would be old enough to be a real member of the firm (Dombey and Son) where all his own interest centered. This indicates that Mr. Dombey was focused on his son following in his business footsteps. Option A is incorrect as the text doesn't emphasize deep paternal love. Option C has no basis in the text. Option D is wrong as it mentions two children but the text focuses on the son and shows Mr. Dombey scarcely noticed his daughter.

Answer:

B. was mainly focused on having his son follow in his footsteps.