Letter LXXI: Evelina in Continuation explained

What happens

Themes in this chapter

• Guardianship and Paternalism

  Evelina defers to Mrs. Selwyn's authority and seeks Mr. Villars's approval, highlighting the theme of guardianship and the control exerted over her decisions.

• Female Education and Innocence

  Evelina's promise to avoid Lord Orville and her reliance on prudence and resolution reflect the expectations of female innocence and propriety.

Characters to notice

• Evelina Anville

  Writes to Mr. Villars, reluctantly complying with Mrs. Selwyn's insistence to stay at Clifton and promising to avoid Lord Orville.

• Mrs. Selwyn

  Insists Evelina remain at Clifton until a reply arrives, overpowering Evelina with her arguments.

• Rev. Mr. Villars

  The recipient of Evelina's letter; she seeks his approval and directions.

Key passages

• “I have only time, my dearest Sir, for three words, to overtake my last letter, and prevent your expecting me immediately; for, when I communicated my intention to Mrs. Selwyn, she would not hear of it, and declared it would be highly ridiculous for me to go before I received an answer to my intelligence concerning the journey from Paris.”

  Evelina quickly writes to Mr. Villars to say she cannot return home yet because Mrs. Selwyn insisted she wait for a reply about the Paris journey.

  Evelina explains the reason for her delayed return.

• “I will, however, see very little of Lord Orville; I will never come downstairs before breakfast; give up all my walks in the garden; seat myself next to Mrs. Selwyn; and not merely avoid his conversation, but shun his presence.”

  Evelina resolves to avoid Lord Orville by staying in her room, skipping garden walks, and sitting close to Mrs. Selwyn.

  Evelina's plan to maintain propriety and avoid Lord Orville.