Vanity Fair · Chapter
Between Hampshire and London explained
Sir Pitt Crawley works to restore the family's social standing in Hampshire, guided by Rebecca's counsel, while Rawdon Crawley grows increasingly isolated in London.
What happens
Sir Pitt Crawley works to restore the family's social standing in Hampshire, guided by Rebecca's counsel, while Rawdon Crawley grows increasingly isolated in London. Lady Jane Crawley feels uneasy and overshadowed by Rebecca's influence over her husband and her social brilliance.
Themes in this chapter
Social Class and Ambition
Sir Pitt's calculated efforts to restore his family's status and Rebecca's strategic counsel illustrate the pursuit of social advancement.
Marriage as Transaction
The strained dynamics between Sir Pitt and Lady Jane, and Rebecca's manipulation of her marriage, underscore the transactional nature of relationships.
Appearance vs. Reality
Rebecca's outward friendliness toward Lady Jane contrasts with her inner scorn, while Sir Pitt's public piety masks his worldly ambitions.
Characters to notice
- Rawdon Crawley
Feels isolated and subjugated, reduced to a torpid, submissive state by Rebecca's influence.
- Becky Sharp
Astutely counsels Sir Pitt on his political ambitions and social maneuvers, while subtly dominating and scorning Lady Jane.
- Sir Pitt Crawley
Rebuilds the family's popularity and position in Hampshire, guided by Rebecca's advice, and begins to shine in society.
- Lady Jane Crawley
Feels mortified and uneasy in Rebecca's presence, sensing her husband's preference for Rebecca's conversation.
- Lord Steyne
Visits Rebecca's home, shows deference to her, and takes an interest in Sir Pitt's career.
- Rawdon Minor
Accompanies his father to Gaunt Street and is fond of Lady Jane.
Key passages
“Delilah had imprisoned him and cut his hair off, too. The bold and reckless young blood of ten-years back was subjugated and was turned into a torpid, submissive, middle-aged, stout gentleman.”
Rebecca had completely subdued Rawdon, transforming him from a daring young man into a passive, lethargic middle-aged figure.
Highlights Rawdon's emasculation and loss of vitality under Rebecca's control.
“Her simple little fancies shrank away tremulously, as fairies in the storybooks, before a superior bad angel.”
Lady Jane's innocent thoughts and stories seemed to retreat fearfully in the presence of Rebecca, like fairies before a powerful evil spirit.
Illustrates Rebecca's intimidating and almost supernatural influence over Lady Jane.