Vanity Fair · Chapter
In Which the Same Subject Is Pursued explained
Becky Sharp, after her fall from grace, attempts to reconcile with her brother-in-law Sir Pitt Crawley, but is confronted by Lady Jane Crawley, who denounces her as a wicked woman.
What happens
Becky Sharp, after her fall from grace, attempts to reconcile with her brother-in-law Sir Pitt Crawley, but is confronted by Lady Jane Crawley, who denounces her as a wicked woman. Meanwhile, Rawdon Crawley accepts the governorship of Coventry Island, and the scandal of his duel with Lord Steyne becomes town gossip. Becky, left alone and impoverished, tries to salvage her situation by pleading her innocence to Sir Pitt.
Themes in this chapter
Vanity and Hypocrisy
Becky's feigned contrition and Lady Jane's righteous anger both highlight the performative morality of Vanity Fair.
Marriage as Transaction
Becky's manipulation of Lord Steyne for her husband's career and Lady Jane's defense of her marriage vows underscore marriage as a social and economic contract.
Appearance vs. Reality
Becky's claims of innocence contrast with the public scandal; the duel is hidden but widely known.
Characters to notice
- Becky Sharp
Desperately pleads her innocence to Sir Pitt, claiming she only sought Lord Steyne's favor for her husband's advancement.
- Sir Pitt Crawley
Shocked by Becky's visit and Lady Jane's outburst, but agrees to seek reconciliation between Rawdon and Becky.
- Lady Jane Crawley
Vigorously confronts Becky, calling her a wicked woman and a false wife, and threatens to leave if Becky remains in the house.
- Rawdon Crawley
Accepts the governorship of Coventry Island after persuasion by his brother and Macmurdo, and later sends colonial produce and newspapers home.
- Lord Steyne
Furious that Rawdon's fortune is made through his means; the duel is buried in secrecy but becomes town talk.
- Miss Crawley
Not directly present, but referenced as the rich aunt whose inheritance was once sought.
- Rawdon Minor
Little Rawdon enjoys reading about his father's governorship in the papers and spends holidays at Queen's Crawley.
- Raggles
Suffers seizure by bailiffs and brokers after Becky's downfall.
Key passages
“I am surprised that woman has the audacity to enter this house... How dare Mrs. Crawley to enter the house of—of an honest family?”
Lady Jane expresses shock that Becky would dare to visit their home, questioning her right to be in an honest household.
Lady Jane's confrontation reveals her moral outrage and protective stance over her family.
“She never came into a family but she strove to bring misery with her and to weaken the most sacred affections with her wicked flattery and falsehoods.”
Lady Jane accuses Becky of always causing harm and undermining family bonds through deceit and flattery.
This condemnation encapsulates the theme of Becky as a disruptive force in domestic life.
“It was town-talk for at least three days, and was only kept out of the newspapers by the exertions of Mr. Wagg, acting upon a hint from Mr. Wenham.”
The scandal of the duel was the talk of the town for days, but was suppressed from the press by Wagg and Wenham.
Highlights the power of social networks and media manipulation in Vanity Fair.
