Evelina · Chapter
Letter LXXXIII: Mr. Villars to Evelina explained
Mr.
What happens
Mr. Villars gives his full and joyful consent to Evelina's marriage to Lord Orville, expressing his deep love and gratitude, and praying that her happiness and virtue endure. He looks forward to seeing her one last time before his death.
Themes in this chapter
Family and Identity
Mr. Villars's letter underscores the deep familial bond and identity between him and Evelina, as he gives his paternal blessing and expresses his identity as her 'almost idolizing parent.'
Virtue and Reputation
Mr. Villars prays that Evelina's purity of mind will form the brightest splendour of her prosperity, linking her virtue to her future happiness.
Characters to notice
- Evelina Anville
The beloved child whose happiness fulfills Mr. Villars's every wish.
- Rev. Mr. Villars
The joyful and grateful father figure giving his consent and blessing.
Key passages
“Every wish of my soul is now fulfilled—for the felicity of my Evelina is equal to her worthiness!”
All my deepest desires are satisfied because Evelina's happiness matches how deserving she is.
Mr. Villars expresses his complete joy at Evelina's good fortune.
“Give thee my consent?—Oh thou joy, comfort, and pride of my life, how cold is that word to express the fervency of my approbation!”
You ask for my consent? That word is far too weak to convey how warmly I approve.
Mr. Villars emphasizes that his approval goes far beyond mere consent.
“That the height of bliss to which thou art rising may not render thee giddy, but that the purity of thy mind may form the brightest splendour of thy prosperity!”
May your great happiness not make you lose your balance, but may your pure character be the most brilliant part of your good fortune.
Mr. Villars prays that Evelina remains virtuous even in prosperity.