Evelina · Chapter
Letter L: Evelina to the Rev. Mr. Villars explained
Evelina writes to Mr.
What happens
Evelina writes to Mr. Villars, thanking him for his gift and letter, and expressing her unease about Mr. Macartney's character. She recounts being pressured by Madame Duval and Mr. Smith to attend the Hampstead assembly, where she refuses to dance with Mr. Smith due to his forwardness and conceit. The chapter highlights the contrast between the refined society she previously experienced and the vulgarity of the Branghtons and Mr. Smith, as well as her growing assertiveness in rejecting unwanted advances.
Themes in this chapter
Social Class and Manners
The contrast between Evelina's refined sensibilities and the vulgarity of Mr. Smith and the Branghtons underscores the theme of social class and the importance of manners in distinguishing gentility.
Love and Courtship
Mr. Smith's presumptuous courtship and his discussion of marriage as a loss of liberty highlight the transactional and often coercive nature of courtship in Evelina's society.
Gender and Power
Evelina's assertiveness in rejecting Mr. Smith's advances demonstrates her growing agency within the constraints of her gender, as she navigates pressures from both her grandmother and a suitor.
Characters to notice
- Evelina Anville
Evelina writes to Mr. Villars, expressing gratitude for his gift and letter, and recounts her experiences at the Hampstead assembly, where she asserts her independence by refusing to dance with Mr. Smith.
- Rev. Mr. Villars
Mr. Villars is the recipient of Evelina's letter, having sent her a present and a letter expressing doubts about Mr. Macartney.
- Madame Duval
Madame Duval insists that Evelina accompany her to the Hampstead assembly and pressures her to dance with Mr. Smith, but eventually relents after Evelina's refusal.
- Mr. Smith
Mr. Smith invites Evelina to the Hampstead assembly, attempts to pressure her into dancing with him, and makes conceited remarks about marriage and his own desirability.
- Miss Polly Branghton
Miss Branghton shows displeasure at Mr. Smith's attention to Evelina and engages in a quarrel with her brother Tom.
- Mr. Branghton
Young Branghton makes rude comments about Madame Duval and Mr. Smith, and teases his sister about her interest in Mr. Smith.
Key passages
“I have just received, my dearest Sir, your kind present, and still kinder letter. Surely, never had orphan so little to regret as your grateful Evelina!”
Evelina thanks Mr. Villars for his gift and letter, expressing that despite being an orphan, she feels no lack of parental care.
Evelina's gratitude reinforces her deep bond with Mr. Villars and her appreciation for his paternal role.
“I cannot endure that he should think me at his disposal.”
Evelina refuses to let Mr. Smith believe she is available to him on his terms.
This statement marks Evelina's growing assertiveness and resistance to male entitlement.
“The party—the conversation—the company—O how great the contrast!”
Evelina reflects on the stark difference between the refined society she previously enjoyed and the vulgar company at the Hampstead assembly.
This contrast highlights the theme of social class and Evelina's discomfort with lower social circles.