Evelina · Chapter
Letter VI: Lady Howard to the Rev. Mr. Villars explained
Lady Howard writes to Mr.
What happens
Lady Howard writes to Mr. Villars, reassuring him that Evelina is safe and well cared for at Howard Grove. She praises Evelina's beauty, character, and natural grace, noting her excellent understanding and innocent demeanor. She also observes the growing friendship between Evelina and her granddaughter, expressing hope that they will love each other as sisters.
Themes in this chapter
Female Education and Innocence
Lady Howard praises Evelina's natural understanding and innocent air, suggesting that her rural education has preserved her from the follies often associated with beauty.
Family and Identity
Lady Howard notes that neither Evelina nor her granddaughter has a natural claim to a sisterly relationship, yet she hopes they will supply that lack through mutual affection.
Virtue and Reputation
Evelina's character is described as 'ingenuous and simple,' free from guile, aligning with the period's ideal of virtuous womanhood.
Characters to notice
- Evelina Anville
Praised by Lady Howard for her beauty, gentle manners, natural grace, and innocent character.
- Rev. Mr. Villars
Recipient of the letter; Lady Howard reassures him about Evelina's well-being.
- Lady Howard
Writer of the letter; expresses her admiration for Evelina and her hopes for the friendship between Evelina and her granddaughter.
- Miss Mirvan
Lady Howard's granddaughter; noted for her growing affection for Evelina and her free, unselfish heart.
- Lady Belmont
Evelina's mother; Lady Howard compares Evelina's gentleness and natural graces to those of her mother.
Key passages
“She is a little angel! I cannot wonder that you sought to monopolize her: neither ought you, at finding it impossible.”
Evelina is so delightful that it is no surprise Mr. Villars wanted to keep her all to himself, but it is equally no surprise that others find her irresistible.
Lady Howard expresses her admiration for Evelina's charm and beauty.
“Her character seems truly ingenuous and simple; and at the same time that nature has blessed her with an excellent understanding and great quickness of parts, she has a certain air of inexperience and innocency that is extremely interesting.”
Evelina is naturally honest and unpretentious, with both a sharp mind and a charming innocence that makes her very appealing.
Lady Howard describes Evelina's character as a blend of intelligence and innocence.
“I would have them love each other as sisters, and reciprocally supply the place of that tender and happy relationship to which neither of them has a natural claim.”
Lady Howard hopes Evelina and her granddaughter will become like sisters, since neither has a real sister of her own.
Lady Howard expresses her wish for a close, sisterly bond between the two girls.