# Sunday After the Battle explained — Vanity Fair

> Chapter companion for Vanity Fair by William Makepeace Thackeray.

## What happens

Rawdon Crawley, having discovered Becky's betrayal and her secret dealings with Lord Steyne, visits his brother Sir Pitt in a state of desperation. He reveals his ruin and refuses a thousand-pound note, intending to use it against Steyne. Rawdon then goes to Captain Macmurdo to arrange a duel, while his household in Curzon Street falls into chaos. The chapter ends with Rawdon preparing for the confrontation, thinking of his son.

## Themes in this chapter

### Family and Betrayal

Rawdon's betrayal by Becky and the cold reception from his brother Sir Pitt highlight the breakdown of familial trust.

### Appearance vs. Reality

Sir Pitt's orderly study and Sunday rituals contrast with the chaos of Rawdon's life and the scandal beneath the surface.

### Wealth and Poverty

Rawdon's financial ruin and the thousand-pound note symbolize the precariousness of wealth and the moral compromises it entails.

## Character check-ins

### Rawdon Crawley

Arrives at Sir Pitt's house in disheveled state, reveals his ruin, and prepares for a duel with Lord Steyne.

### Sir Pitt Crawley

Receives Rawdon coldly, refuses further financial help, but is shocked by the thousand-pound note.

### Lady Jane Crawley

Observes the tense meeting between the brothers, offers Rawdon a hand, and is distressed by the events.

### Captain Macmurdo

Acts as Rawdon's second, helps compose the challenge to Lord Steyne, and comforts Rawdon.

### Becky Sharp

Mentioned as the source of Rawdon's betrayal; her secret dealings with Steyne and the hidden banknote are central to the conflict.

### Lord Steyne

The intended recipient of Rawdon's challenge; implicated in the scandal with Becky.

### Rawdon Minor

Thought of by Rawdon with affection; Rawdon gives his sleeve-buttons to Macmurdo for him.

## Key lines

> Pitt, it's all over with me. I'm done.

Rawdon tells his brother that his life and fortunes are completely ruined.

_Rawdon's declaration of utter defeat after discovering Becky's betrayal._

> I hope to put a bullet into the man whom that belongs to.

Rawdon intends to use the thousand-pound note to kill Lord Steyne in a duel.

_Rawdon's vengeful plan against Steyne, using the ill-gotten banknote._

> He's a regular trump, that boy.

Rawdon speaks fondly of his son, calling him a fine and reliable child.

_Rawdon's affectionate thoughts about little Rawdon as he faces possible death._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/vanity_fair_se/chapters/liv-sunday-after-the-battle
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/vanity_fair_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/vanity_fair_se/chapters