Evelina · Chapter
Letter XXXVI: Evelina to the Rev. Mr. Villars explained
Evelina receives a harsh rejection from Sir John Belmont, who disowns her with contempt.
What happens
Evelina receives a harsh rejection from Sir John Belmont, who disowns her with contempt. Madame Duval resolves to take Evelina to Paris to confront him, but Lady Howard intervenes to prevent Evelina from leaving until Mr. Villars gives permission. Evelina is distressed by the situation and grateful for the support of Lady Howard, Mrs. Mirvan, and Maria.
Themes in this chapter
Family and Identity
Evelina's identity is challenged by Sir John Belmont's rejection, highlighting the importance of paternal acknowledgment in defining social and personal identity.
Guardianship and Paternalism
Evelina's dependence on Mr. Villars and Lady Howard for protection against Madame Duval's forceful plans illustrates the theme of guardianship.
Virtue and Reputation
Evelina's concern about being dragged to Paris and the potential damage to her reputation reflects the societal emphasis on female virtue.
Characters to notice
- Evelina Anville
Receives the devastating letter from Sir John Belmont and struggles with feelings of rejection and sorrow.
- Madame Duval
Furious at Sir John's response, she insists on taking Evelina to Paris to demand justice.
- Lady Howard
Supports Evelina by refusing to let her leave Howard Grove without Mr. Villars's consent.
- Mrs. Mirvan
Shocked by the events and shows increased kindness to Evelina.
- Miss Mirvan
Evelina's dear friend who consoles and sympathizes with her sorrow.
- Captain Mirvan
Sneers and railleries at Madame Duval, increasing her anger.
Key passages
“Outcast as I am, and rejected forever by him to whom I of right belong—shall I now implore your continued protection?—No, no;—I will not offend your generous heart, which, open to distress, has no wish but to relieve it, with an application that would seem to imply a doubt.”
Evelina feels abandoned by her biological father and hesitates to ask Mr. Villars for continued support, not wanting to seem ungrateful or doubtful of his kindness.
Evelina's emotional turmoil and reliance on Mr. Villars's generosity.
“She will not hear me: she is furiously bent upon a project which is terrible to think of;—for she means to go herself to Paris, take me with her, and there, face to face, demand justice!”
Madame Duval is determined to travel to Paris with Evelina and confront Sir John Belmont directly to demand recognition.
Madame Duval's aggressive plan to force a confrontation.