Evelina · Chapter
Letter XXI: Evelina in Continuation explained
Evelina recounts her adventures at the opera, including an unwelcome visit from the Branghtons, a hasty escape from Madame Duval's party with Sir Clement Willoughby, and an awkward encounter with Lord Orville that leaves her deeply embarras
What happens
Evelina recounts her adventures at the opera, including an unwelcome visit from the Branghtons, a hasty escape from Madame Duval's party with Sir Clement Willoughby, and an awkward encounter with Lord Orville that leaves her deeply embarrassed.
Themes in this chapter
Social Class and Manners
Evelina's shame at the Branghtons' lowbred behavior and her anxiety about being seen with them highlight the rigid class distinctions of the era.
Female Education and Innocence
Evelina's naive plan to escape with Sir Clement and her subsequent regret illustrate her lack of worldly experience and the consequences of impulsive decisions.
Guardianship and Paternalism
Evelina's dependence on the protection of male figures (Sir Clement, Lord Orville) and her fear of Madame Duval's authority reflect the constraints of guardianship.
Characters to notice
- Evelina Anville
Narrates the chapter; struggles with embarrassment over her vulgar relations and regrets her impulsive plan to leave with Sir Clement.
- Sir Clement Willoughby
Assiduously escorts Evelina from the gallery; eager to be alone with her and arranges his chariot.
- Lord Orville
Sees Evelina with Sir Clement and expresses surprise; his presence heightens Evelina's distress.
- Miss Polly Branghton
Visits Evelina with her sister, insisting she join their opera party; shows forwardness and ignorance of proper dress.
- Mr. Branghton
Mentioned as being below with his brother; his daughters act on his behalf.
- Madame Duval
Expected to be angry at Evelina's departure; Evelina fears her displeasure at dinner.
Key passages
“I fear you will think this London journey has made me grow very proud; but indeed this family is so lowbred and vulgar, that I should be equally ashamed of such a connection in the country, or anywhere.”
Evelina worries that her time in London has made her snobbish, but she insists the Branghtons are so coarse that she would be embarrassed to be associated with them even at home.
Reveals Evelina's internal conflict between family loyalty and social propriety.
“I was inexpressibly distressed; to suffer Lord Orville to think me satisfied with the single protection of Sir Clement Willoughby, I could not bear; yet I was more than ever averse to returning to a party which I dreaded his seeing.”
Evelina is deeply troubled: she cannot stand Lord Orville believing she is content with only Sir Clement's escort, but she is even more reluctant to go back to the Branghtons, whom she fears he might witness.
Highlights Evelina's concern for her reputation in Lord Orville's eyes.
“I am very much amazed that she accepted Mrs. Mirvan’s invitation, as she was in such wrath yesterday. I fear that today I shall myself be the principal object of her displeasure; but I must submit patiently, for I cannot defend myself.”
Evelina is surprised Madame Duval agreed to dine with the Mirvans after being so angry the previous day, and she expects to bear the brunt of her grandmother's anger without being able to justify her actions.
Foreshadows Evelina's anxiety about facing Madame Duval's reprimand.