# Letter XLV: Evelina in Continuation explained — Evelina

> Chapter companion for Evelina by Fanny Burney.

## What happens

Evelina visits the Branghtons' shop and encounters the melancholy Mr. Macartney. She is disgusted by the family's rudeness toward him and their vulgar behavior. After a contentious vote on evening entertainment, Evelina asserts her independence by including Mr. Macartney in the discussion, then leaves in frustration.

## Themes in this chapter

### Social Class and Manners

Evelina's refined sensibilities clash with the Branghtons' vulgarity and rudeness toward Mr. Macartney, highlighting class distinctions.

### Satire of Society

The Branghtons' boorish behavior and Mr. Smith's pretentious gentility are satirized as examples of lowbred social climbing.

## Character check-ins

### Evelina Anville

Visits Branghtons' shop, shows compassion to Mr. Macartney, and is disgusted by the family's ill-breeding.

### Madame Duval

Sends Evelina to arrange an evening party; is displeased with the lack of satisfaction Evelina brings back.

### Mr. Macartney

The 'unfortunate North Briton' sitting in the shop, treated rudely by the Branghtons; Evelina shows him civility.

### Mr. Branghton

Rude and dismissive toward Mr. Macartney; engages in a dispute with his children over evening plans.

### Miss Polly Branghton

Flirts with Mr. Brown; votes for Mother Red Cap's; displays vulgar behavior.

### Mr. Smith

Ostentatiously polite but self-centered; tries to ingratiate himself with Evelina and leads the vote on evening plans.

## Key lines

> I felt a little awkward at disturbing them, and much more so at their behaviour afterwards; for, as soon as the common enquiries were over, Mr. Brown grew so fond and so foolish, that I was extremely disgusted.

Evelina feels embarrassed by the overly affectionate and foolish behavior of Mr. Brown and Polly.

_Highlights Evelina's discomfort with the Branghtons' lack of decorum._

> Shocked at their rudeness, I declined the offer; and, approaching Miss Branghton, said, 'If you will be so good as to make room for me on your chair, there will be no occasion to disturb that gentleman.'

Evelina refuses to take Mr. Macartney's stool and instead asks to share a chair to avoid displacing him.

_Demonstrates Evelina's considerate nature in contrast to the Branghtons' rudeness._

> I was, however, very well pleased with M. Du Bois, who, far from joining in their mirth, expressed himself extremely shocked at their ill-breeding.

Evelina appreciates M. Du Bois for not participating in the family's mockery of Mr. Macartney.

_Shows Evelina's approval of those who share her sense of propriety._

## Links

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