Evelina · Chapter
Letter LI: Evelina in Continuation explained
Evelina encloses a letter from Mr.
What happens
Evelina encloses a letter from Mr. Macartney, who recounts his tragic backstory: he was raised in Scotland by his mother, formed a friendship with a wealthy young man, fell in love in Paris with an Englishman's daughter, fought and wounded her father, and later discovered from his mother that the man was his own father. After his mother's death, he fell into poverty and desperation, planning to become a footpad until Evelina intervened.
Themes in this chapter
Social Class and Manners
Mr. Macartney's story highlights the barriers of class and fortune, as his love for a woman of higher station is thwarted by her father's contempt for his poverty.
Family and Identity
The revelation that Mr. Macartney nearly killed his own father and the subsequent discovery of his parentage underscore the theme of hidden family ties and identity.
Characters to notice
- Evelina Anville
Evelina receives and encloses Mr. Macartney's letter, reflecting on her role in rescuing him.
- Mr. Macartney
Mr. Macartney writes a long letter detailing his tragic past, his near-parricide, his mother's death, and his descent into desperation.
- Mr. Branghton
Mr. Branghton and his son insult and threaten Mr. Macartney with imprisonment over unpaid debts.
- Miss Polly Branghton
Mentioned indirectly as part of the Branghton household; Mr. Macartney passes through their shop.
Key passages
“You bid me, Madam, live: I have now, indeed, a motive for life, since I should not willingly quit the world, while I withhold from the needy and distressed any share of that charity which a disposition so noble would otherwise bestow upon them.”
Mr. Macartney tells Evelina that her kindness has given him a reason to live, as he now feels obligated to pass on her charity to others in need.
Mr. Macartney expresses gratitude and a renewed sense of purpose.
“My son, cried she, you have then murdered your father! and she sunk breathless at my feet.”
Mr. Macartney's mother reveals that the man he wounded in the duel is his own father, then faints from the shock.
The dramatic revelation of parricide and family tragedy.