Vanity Fair · Chapter
I: Chiswick Mall explained
The chapter opens at Miss Pinkerton's academy for young ladies on Chiswick Mall, where Amelia Sedley is preparing to depart after six years.
What happens
The chapter opens at Miss Pinkerton's academy for young ladies on Chiswick Mall, where Amelia Sedley is preparing to depart after six years. Her friend Becky Sharp, a poor articled pupil, is also leaving to become a governess. Miss Pinkerton writes a pompous letter to Mrs. Sedley praising Amelia, but refuses to give Becky a copy of Dr. Johnson's Dictionary. Amelia is kind-hearted and beloved by all, while Becky is sharp and independent. The two girls leave together in the Sedley coach.
Themes in this chapter
Social Class and Ambition
The contrast between Amelia's wealthy family and Becky's lowly position as an articled pupil highlights class distinctions. Miss Pinkerton's refusal to give Becky a Dictionary underscores social hierarchy.
Appearance vs. Reality
Miss Pinkerton's grand letter and reputation mask her pettiness, while Amelia's simple goodness is genuine. Becky's calm exterior hides her sharp intelligence and ambition.
Characters to notice
- Amelia Sedley
Departing pupil; sweet-natured, beloved by all, but prone to tears.
- Becky Sharp
Articled pupil leaving with Amelia; calm, unconcerned, and speaks French to Miss Pinkerton.
- Miss Pinkerton
Majestic headmistress; pompous, refuses Becky a Dictionary, writes a self-important letter.
- Miss Jemima Pinkerton
Good-natured sister; timid, tries to give Becky a Dictionary but is overruled.
- Miss Swartz
Rich mulatto heiress from St. Kitt's; weeps passionately at Amelia's departure.
- Sambo
Black servant who rings the bell and loads the carriage; grins at Becky's trunk.
Key passages
“While the present century was in its teens, and on one sunshiny morning in June, there drove up to the great iron gate of Miss Pinkerton’s academy for young ladies, on Chiswick Mall, a large family coach, with two fat horses in blazing harness, driven by a fat coachman in a three-cornered hat and wig, at the rate of four miles an hour.”
One sunny June morning in the early 1800s, a large coach pulled by two plump horses and driven by a stout coachman in a tricorn hat arrived at the iron gate of Miss Pinkerton's girls' school on Chiswick Mall.
Opening scene sets the time and place, introducing the Sedley coach.
“For Becky Sharp: she's going too.”
Jemima timidly hands her sister a second Dictionary for Becky Sharp, who is also leaving the school.
Highlights the class distinction between Amelia and Becky.
“Miss Sharp advanced in a very unconcerned manner, and said in French, and with a perfect accent, 'Mademoiselle, je viens vous faire mes adieux.'”
Becky walked in calmly and said in flawless French, 'Miss, I have come to say goodbye.'
Shows Becky's poise and defiance of Miss Pinkerton's authority.