Vanity Fair · Chapter
A Rescue and a Catastrophe explained
Rawdon Crawley is imprisoned for debt at Mr.
What happens
Rawdon Crawley is imprisoned for debt at Mr. Moss's sponging-house. He writes to Becky for help, but she fails to come. Upon his release, he discovers Becky's betrayal with Lord Steyne, confronts them, and leaves her forever.
Themes in this chapter
Marriage as Transaction
Becky's marriage to Rawdon is revealed as a financial arrangement, with Lord Steyne as her patron.
Vanity and Hypocrisy
Becky's social success is built on lies and deceit, exposed when Rawdon finds her hidden wealth.
Wealth and Poverty
Rawdon's imprisonment for debt contrasts with Becky's secret hoard of money and jewels.
Characters to notice
- Rawdon Crawley
Imprisoned for debt, then discovers Becky's infidelity and leaves her.
- Becky Sharp
Exposed as unfaithful; her jewels and money reveal Lord Steyne's patronage.
- Lord Steyne
Confronted by Rawdon, struck, and exposed as Becky's benefactor.
- Miss Moss
Daughter of the sponging-house keeper; serves Rawdon breakfast.
- Mr. Moss
Keeper of the sponging-house; hosts Rawdon during his imprisonment.
Key passages
“You innocent! Why every trinket you have on your body is paid for by me. I have given you thousands of pounds, which this fellow has spent and for which he has sold you.”
Lord Steyne accuses Becky of being guilty, claiming he paid for her jewels and that Rawdon sold her for money.
Steyne's outburst reveals the transactional nature of his relationship with Becky.
“He struck the Peer twice over the face with his open hand and flung him bleeding to the ground.”
Rawdon physically attacks Lord Steyne, striking him twice and knocking him down.
Rawdon's violent reaction marks the climax of his discovery of Becky's betrayal.
“I have always shared with you.”
Rawdon reminds Becky that he always shared his money with her, implying she should have done the same.
Rawdon's words highlight his sense of betrayal and the imbalance in their marriage.