Evelina · Chapter
Letter LXIV: Evelina in Continuation explained
Evelina dines at Mrs.
What happens
Evelina dines at Mrs. Beaumont's with Mrs. Selwyn, where she endures condescending questions about her family and observes the affected manners of Lady Louisa Larpent and Mr. Lovel. Lord Orville's attentive behavior contrasts sharply with his sister's coldness, and a wager between Lord Merton and Mr. Coverley leads to satirical proposals from Mrs. Selwyn.
Themes in this chapter
Satire of Society
Mrs. Selwyn's mockery of Mrs. Beaumont's pride and the gentlemen's ignorance highlights the absurdity of aristocratic pretensions.
Social Class and Manners
Evelina's discomfort with questions about her lineage and Lady Louisa's coldness underscore the importance of birth and social standing.
Virtue and Reputation
Lord Orville's gracious behavior contrasts with the superficiality of others, reinforcing his virtuous character.
Characters to notice
- Evelina Anville
Narrates the visit to Mrs. Beaumont's, feeling embarrassed by questions about her family and grateful for Lord Orville's attention.
- Lord Orville
Shows marked politeness to Evelina, introduces her to his sister, and proposes a civil resolution to the wager dispute.
- Mrs. Selwyn
Provides a satirical character sketch of Mrs. Beaumont and humorously suggests a classical recitation to settle the bet.
- Lady Louisa Larpent
Displays coldness toward Evelina and exaggerated delicacy, fainting at the mention of the phaeton race.
- Lord Merton
Engages in a reckless wager with Mr. Coverley, showing indifference to Lady Louisa's distress.
- Mr. Lovel
Embarrassed by Mrs. Selwyn's classical challenge, revealing his lack of scholarly education.
Key passages
“She is an absolute Court Calendar bigot ; for, chancing herself to be born of a noble and ancient family, she thinks proper to be of opinion, that birth and virtue are one and the same thing.”
Mrs. Selwyn describes Mrs. Beaumont as a snob who equates noble birth with moral superiority.
Highlights the theme of social class and satire.
“He is a young man like few others.”
Mrs. Beaumont praises Lord Orville as a rare and excellent young man.
Reinforces Lord Orville's exemplary character.
“I am nerve all over!”
Lady Louisa claims to be extremely sensitive and delicate.
Illustrates her affected fragility and the performative nature of sensibility.