Evelina · Chapter
Letter LIII: Evelina in Continuation explained
Evelina receives a visit from Lord Orville, who expresses concern about the company she was seen with at Marybone.
What happens
Evelina receives a visit from Lord Orville, who expresses concern about the company she was seen with at Marybone. She explains the circumstances, and he offers his support and caution. Later, Madame Duval proposes a match between Evelina and young Branghton, which Evelina firmly rejects. Additionally, M. Du Bois declares his attachment to Evelina in a note, causing her further unease.
Themes in this chapter
Love and Courtship
Lord Orville's visit and his cautious, respectful approach to Evelina highlight the ideals of polite courtship, while M. Du Bois's declaration and the Branghton proposal represent less desirable alternatives.
Social Class and Manners
Evelina's discomfort with her current situation among the Branghtons contrasts sharply with Lord Orville's refined manners, underscoring the importance of social class and decorum.
Guardianship and Paternalism
Madame Duval's attempt to arrange a marriage for Evelina reflects the paternalistic control guardians exerted over young women's futures.
Characters to notice
- Evelina Anville
Evelina is listless and uneasy, but is cheered by Lord Orville's visit. She firmly rejects the proposed match with young Branghton and is troubled by M. Du Bois's declaration.
- Lord Orville
Lord Orville visits Evelina to express concern about her companions at Marybone and to offer his support. He behaves with grace and delicacy, pressing her hand to his lips as he leaves.
- Madame Duval
Madame Duval proposes a match between Evelina and young Branghton, insisting that Evelina should not refuse until she sees if she can do better.
- Monsieur Du Bois
M. Du Bois leaves a note declaring his attachment to Evelina, prompted by the news that Madame Duval intends her for young Branghton.
- Mr. Branghton
Mr. Branghton has proposed a match between his son and Evelina, a proposal that Evelina finds odious.
Key passages
“I think myself very fortunate in meeting with Miss Anville at home, and still more so in finding her disengaged.”
Lord Orville expresses his luck in finding Evelina at home and free to receive him.
Lord Orville's polite opening to his visit.
“I will own myself to have been greatly surprised when I met you yesterday evening, in company with two persons who I was sensible merited not the honour of your notice”
Lord Orville admits he was surprised to see Evelina with people unworthy of her company.
Lord Orville's concern about Evelina's companions at Marybone.
“I am very sensible of the honour of your Lordship's attention; but—”
Evelina acknowledges Lord Orville's attention but hesitates to continue.
Evelina's mixed feelings about Lord Orville's inquiry.
“I scrupled not, warmly and freely, to declare my aversion to this proposal; but it was to no effect”
Evelina openly expressed her dislike of the marriage proposal, but Madame Duval ignored her.
Evelina's rejection of the Branghton match.
“This note contains an open declaration of an attachment to me; which, he says, he should never have presumed to have acknowledged, had he not been informed that Madame Duval destined my hand to young Branghton”
M. Du Bois's note confesses his love for Evelina, prompted by the news that Madame Duval plans to marry her to young Branghton.
M. Du Bois's declaration of attachment.
