Evelina · Chapter
Letter LXXVII: Evelina in Continuation explained
Evelina recounts a tense morning at Clifton where Lord Orville seeks a private conversation, but their plans are thwarted by Mrs.
What happens
Evelina recounts a tense morning at Clifton where Lord Orville seeks a private conversation, but their plans are thwarted by Mrs. Selwyn. Sir Clement Willoughby intercepts a letter from Orville, tears it up in a jealous rage, and makes a violent scene. Later, Mrs. Selwyn teases Evelina about her impending marriage and proposes a visit to the Hot Wells to confront Sir John Belmont. Evelina and Lord Orville discuss the meeting, with Orville urging immediate marriage, but Evelina insists on deferring to her guardian's authority.
Themes in this chapter
Love and Courtship
Lord Orville's proposal and Sir Clement's jealous outburst highlight the tensions and rivalries in courtship.
Gender and Power
Evelina's lack of agency in the face of Sir Clement's aggression and her reliance on male guardians underscores the power imbalance.
Satire of Society
Mrs. Selwyn's sharp wit and the frivolous comments of Mr. Coverley and Mr. Lovel satirize the manners of the upper class.
Characters to notice
- Evelina Anville
Narrates the chapter; she is distressed by Sir Clement's outburst and torn between her feelings for Lord Orville and her duty to her guardian.
- Lord Orville
Requests a private meeting with Evelina; later discusses the planned visit to Sir John Belmont and urges immediate marriage.
- Sir Clement Willoughby
Intercepts and tears up Lord Orville's letter, reveals his jealousy and violent temper, then abruptly leaves the house.
- Mrs. Selwyn
Interrupts Evelina's walk, teases her about her upcoming marriage, and proposes the visit to the Hot Wells to confront Sir John Belmont.
- Lady Louisa Larpent
Enters the room during Sir Clement's outburst and expresses shock at his behavior.
- Mr. Coverley
Comments on Sir Clement's departure and engages in a witty exchange with Mrs. Selwyn about time.
Key passages
“I made no answer, but I believe my looks gave no denial; for, indeed, I much wished to be satisfied concerning the letter.”
Evelina silently agrees to meet Lord Orville, driven by her desire to understand the mysterious letter.
Shows Evelina's internal conflict and curiosity about the letter's origin.
“The letter, cried he, gnashing his teeth, you shall never see more! You ought to have burnt it the moment you had read it!”
Sir Clement, in a rage, destroys the letter and insists Evelina should have destroyed it immediately.
Highlights Sir Clement's jealousy and violent reaction to Lord Orville's correspondence.
“She then proposed, as no better expedient seemed likely to be suggested, that I should accompany her at once in her visit to the Hot Wells tomorrow morning.”
Mrs. Selwyn suggests they go to the Hot Wells the next day to confront Sir John Belmont.
Sets up the impending meeting with Evelina's father, a key plot point.