LXVII: Which Contains Births, Marriages, and Deaths explained

What happens

Themes in this chapter

• Vanity and Hypocrisy

  Rebecca's public piety and charity contrast sharply with her manipulative and self-serving actions, highlighting the theme of hypocrisy.

• Wealth and Poverty

  Joseph's financial ruin and the insurance dispute underscore the precarious nature of wealth and the lengths people go to secure it.

• Marriage as Transaction

  Amelia's rigid adherence to her marriage vows despite her feelings for Dobbin illustrates the transactional and binding nature of marriage in society.

Characters to notice

• Joseph Sedley

  Dies at Aix-la-Chapelle after his fortune is lost in speculations; his life insurance is divided between Amelia and Rebecca.

• Becky Sharp

  Successfully claims the insurance money, styles herself Lady Crawley, and lives a life of piety and charity; she manipulates Joseph and social circles in Pumpernickel.

• Amelia Sedley

  Struggles with her feelings for Dobbin after his departure; becomes peevish and withdrawn, and often talks about Dobbin with her son Georgy.

• William Dobbin

  Refuses his share of Joseph's legacy and declines communication with Rebecca; is deeply admired by Amelia and Georgy.

• Rawdon Crawley

  Dies of yellow fever at Coventry Island, deeply beloved and deplored.

• Georgy Osborne

  Grows into a dashing young gentleman; becomes a confidant of his mother and admires Dobbin.

Key passages

• “the Bible,” gasped out Joseph, wanting to kiss the book, “that she is as innocent as a child, as spotless as your own wife.” “It may be so,” said the Colonel gloomily, “but Emmy can’t come to you. Be a man, Jos: break off this disreputable connection. Come home to your family. We hear your affairs are involved.” “Involved!” cried Jos. “Who has told such calumnies? All my money is placed out most advantageously. Mrs. Crawley⁠—that is⁠—I mean⁠—it is laid out to the best interest.” “You are not in debt, then? Why did you insure your life?” “I thought⁠—a little present to her⁠—in case anything happened; and you know my health is so delicate⁠—common gratitude you know⁠—and I intend to leave all my money to you⁠—and I can spare it out of my income, indeed I can,” cried out William’s weak brother-in-law.”

  Joseph swears on the Bible that Rebecca is innocent, but Dobbin urges him to end the relationship and return to his family. Joseph denies being in debt and explains he insured his life to provide for Rebecca, claiming he intends to leave his money to Dobbin.

  Dobbin confronts Joseph about his involvement with Rebecca and his financial troubles.

• “Three months afterwards Joseph Sedley died at Aix-la-Chapelle. It was found that all his property had been muddled away in speculations, and was represented by valueless shares in different bubble companies. All his available assets were the two thousand pounds for which his life was insured, and which were left equally between his beloved “sister Amelia, wife of, etc. , and his friend and invaluable attendant during sickness, Rebecca, wife of Lieutenant-Colonel Rawdon Crawley, C.B. ,” who was appointed administratrix.”

  Joseph dies three months later, having lost his fortune in bad investments. His only remaining assets are the two thousand pounds from his life insurance, which he leaves equally to Amelia and Rebecca, with Rebecca as the administratrix.

  The aftermath of Joseph's death reveals his financial ruin and the disputed insurance legacy.

• “The solicitor of the insurance company swore it was the blackest case that ever had come before him, talked of sending a commission to Aix to examine into the death, and the Company refused payment of the policy. But Mrs. , or Lady Crawley, as she styled herself, came to town at once (attended with her solicitors, Messrs. Burke, Thurtell, and Hayes, of Thavies Inn) and dared the Company to refuse the payment. They invited examination, they declared that she was the object of an infamous conspiracy, which had been pursuing her all through life, and triumphed finally. The money was paid, and her character established, but Colonel Dobbin sent back his share of the legacy to the insurance office and rigidly declined to hold any communication with Rebecca.”

  The insurance company suspects foul play and refuses to pay, but Rebecca, styling herself Lady Crawley, hires solicitors and threatens legal action, successfully claiming the money. Dobbin returns his share and cuts off all contact with her.

  Rebecca's legal victory over the insurance company and Dobbin's rejection of the legacy.