Vanity Fair · Chapter
XLIV: A Roundabout Chapter Between London and Hampshire explained
The chapter describes the renovation of the Crawley family house in Great Gaunt Street after Sir Pitt Crawley's death, overseen by Becky Sharp and Miss Briggs.
What happens
The chapter describes the renovation of the Crawley family house in Great Gaunt Street after Sir Pitt Crawley's death, overseen by Becky Sharp and Miss Briggs. Sir Pitt visits London and stays with Rawdon and Becky, where Becky charms him with her hospitality and cooking. The family later gathers at Queen's Crawley for Christmas, where little Rawdon reveals he dines in the kitchen at home. Sir Pitt, though aware of his brother's financial struggles, offers only a small sum for Rawdon's son, highlighting his moral debt and reluctance to share the inheritance.
Themes in this chapter
Vanity and Hypocrisy
Becky's feigned humility and virtue, symbolized by the unfinished shirt she sews, contrast with her manipulative charm and social climbing.
Social Class and Ambition
Becky's efforts to ingratiate herself with Sir Pitt and her delight in the renovated mansion highlight her ambition to rise in society.
Family and Betrayal
Sir Pitt's moral debt to Rawdon and his reluctance to share the inheritance reveal the betrayal of family duty and justice.
Characters to notice
- Becky Sharp
Oversees the renovation of Sir Pitt's house, charms Sir Pitt with her cooking and conversation, and manipulates him into staying as a guest.
- Rawdon Crawley
Hosts his brother Sir Pitt, expresses concern about debts to Raggles, and is moody about not getting money from Pitt.
- Sir Pitt Crawley
Visits London, stays with Rawdon and Becky, is charmed by Becky, and gives a small sum for little Rawdon despite being aware of his brother's poverty.
- Miss Briggs
Assists with the renovation of Sir Pitt's house and is sent to sleep with the maid when Sir Pitt visits.
- Rawdon Minor
Visits Queen's Crawley with his mother, reveals he dines in the kitchen at home, and is awed by the grandeur of the Hall.
- Lady Jane Crawley
Hosts the family at Queen's Crawley, is kind to little Rawdon, and is contrasted unfavorably with Becky by Sir Pitt.
- Pitt Crawley
Mentioned as the son and heir, aloof and examining little Rawdon like a little dog does a big dog.
Key passages
“A little woman, with a carriage to correspond, was perpetually seen about this mansion; an elderly spinster, accompanied by a little boy, also might be remarked coming thither daily. It was Miss Briggs and little Rawdon, whose business it was to see to the inward renovation of Sir Pitt's house.”
Becky Sharp, along with Miss Briggs and little Rawdon, frequently visited the house to oversee its interior renovation.
Describes the daily activity of Becky and her companions at the Crawley mansion.
“Whenever Mrs. Rawdon wished to be particularly humble and virtuous, this little shirt used to come out of her work-box. It had got to be too small for Rawdon long before it was finished.”
Becky would sew a shirt for her son whenever she wanted to appear modest and good, though the shirt was never completed and had become too small.
Highlights Becky's performative virtue and the unfinished nature of her domestic efforts.
“I like to dine here, said Rawdon Minor, looking up at his relation's kind face. Why? said the good Lady Jane. I dine in the kitchen when I am at home, replied Rawdon Minor, or else with Briggs.”
Little Rawdon told Lady Jane that he preferred dining with her because at home he ate in the kitchen or with Miss Briggs.
Reveals the neglect of little Rawdon in his own home, contrasting with the hospitality at Queen's Crawley.
