Vanity Fair · Chapter
Dobbin of Ours explained
This chapter provides a detailed backstory of William Dobbin, tracing his miserable school days at Dr.
What happens
This chapter provides a detailed backstory of William Dobbin, tracing his miserable school days at Dr. Swishtail's academy where he was mocked for his father's trade as a grocer. It recounts his transformation after a heroic fight with the school bully, Cuff, which earned him respect and friendship, particularly from George Osborne. The narrative then jumps to the present, where Dobbin, now a captain, returns from service in the West Indies and is invited to dine with the Sedleys and join the Vauxhall outing, rekindling his devoted friendship with George and meeting Amelia.
Themes in this chapter
Social Class and Ambition
Dobbin's humble origins as a grocer's son lead to mockery at school, but his rise through courage and friendship with George Osborne illustrates the fluidity of social standing and personal ambition.
Appearance vs. Reality
Dobbin appears clumsy and dull but proves brave and loyal; George seems heroic but is vain and self-regarding, as noted by Becky Sharp.
Vanity and Hypocrisy
George Osborne's vanity is highlighted by his admiration of his own whiskers in the mirror, while the schoolboys' contempt for trade masks their own dependence on commerce.
Characters to notice
- William Dobbin
Introduced as a clumsy, mocked schoolboy who rises in status after a fight with Cuff; now a devoted captain in the army, still deeply attached to George Osborne.
- George Osborne
Shown as a popular, handsome schoolboy and later a confident lieutenant; Dobbin's idol and friend, he invites Dobbin to the Sedley dinner and Vauxhall.
- Amelia Sedley
Appears as a sweet, fresh young woman in a white muslin frock; she likes Dobbin because he is George's friend, and her singing captivates Dobbin.
- Becky Sharp
Observes George Osborne's vanity in the mirror and thinks she has his measure; present at the dinner, engaging in conversation about war and glory.
- Joseph Sedley
At dinner, tells tiger-hunting stories, helps Rebecca to food, drinks heavily, and is noted by Osborne as 'priming himself' for the Vauxhall outing.
- Mrs. Sedley
Good-naturedly recalls Dobbin's childhood accident with the punch-bowl and comments on the Dobbin sisters' lack of grace.
Key passages
“Your father's only a merchant, Osborne... My father's a gentleman, and keeps his carriage.”
Dobbin tries to console George by noting that his father is just a merchant, but George retorts that his father is a gentleman who owns a carriage.
Highlights the class distinctions and snobbery among schoolboys.
“He's priming himself, Osborne whispered to Dobbin.”
Osborne quietly remarks to Dobbin that Jos is drinking heavily to build up courage.
Shows Osborne's perceptive and slightly mocking view of Jos's nervousness before the Vauxhall outing.
“Ah, mon beau Monsieur! I think I have your gauge”
Rebecca thinks to herself that she has figured out George Osborne's character.
Reveals Becky's shrewd and manipulative nature as she assesses George's vanity.