Vanity Fair · Chapter
XL: In Which Becky Is Recognized by the Family explained
Sir Pitt Crawley dies, and his elder son Pitt becomes the new baronet.
What happens
Sir Pitt Crawley dies, and his elder son Pitt becomes the new baronet. Pitt takes control of the estate and begins to manage its affairs, while Lady Southdown clashes with him over inviting Becky to the funeral. Meanwhile, Becky re-encounters Miss Briggs in London and persuades her to become a companion, eventually borrowing money from her.
Themes in this chapter
Family and Betrayal
The power struggle between Pitt and Lady Southdown over inviting Becky to the funeral reflects familial tensions and shifting loyalties.
Social Class and Ambition
Pitt's ambition to clear the estate and rise in society is evident, while Becky's manipulation of Miss Briggs demonstrates her social climbing.
Wealth and Poverty
The contrast between the wealthy Crawley estate and the financial vulnerability of characters like Miss Briggs is highlighted.
Appearance vs. Reality
Becky's 'artlessness and candour' in recounting her life to Briggs masks her manipulative intentions.
Characters to notice
- Pitt Crawley
Becomes Sir Pitt after his father's death, takes over estate management, and asserts his authority over Lady Southdown.
- Sir Pitt Crawley
Dies after a long decline, leaving the estate to his elder son.
- Lady Southdown
Clashes with Pitt over inviting Becky to the funeral, threatens to leave the house.
- Lady Jane Crawley
Timidly supports her husband Pitt, cares for the old baronet, and is caught between her mother and husband.
- Becky Sharp
Recognizes Miss Briggs on the street, invites her to dinner, and eventually persuades her to become a companion.
- Miss Briggs
After leaving Miss Crawley's service, she seeks employment and is taken in by Becky, eventually lending money to Rawdon.
- Rawdon Crawley
Mentioned as the recipient of a loan from Miss Briggs, arranged by Becky.
- Mrs. Bute Crawley
Angry at Lady Southdown's influence, but maintains a show of courtesy with the Hall.
Key passages
“What love, what fidelity, what constancy is there equal to that of a nurse with good wages?”
The narrator cynically observes that paid nursing care is more reliable than romantic love.
Reflects the theme of marriage as transaction and the commodification of care.
“For this was all that was left after more than seventy years of cunning, and struggling, and drinking, and scheming, and sin and selfishness—a whimpering old idiot put in and out of bed and cleaned and fed like a baby.”
The old baronet's life ends in pathetic dependence, a stark contrast to his former cunning.
Highlights the theme of appearance vs. reality and the futility of worldly ambition.
“I believe I am the head of this family; and however much I may regret any circumstance which may lead to your Ladyship quitting this house, must, if you please, continue to govern it as I see fit.”
Pitt asserts his authority as the new baronet, defying Lady Southdown's interference.
Illustrates the power dynamics within the family and the theme of social class and ambition.
