# Between Hampshire and London explained — Vanity Fair

> Chapter companion for Vanity Fair by William Makepeace Thackeray.

## 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.

## Character check-ins

### 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 lines

> 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._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/vanity_fair_se/chapters/xlv-between-hampshire-and-london
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/vanity_fair_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/vanity_fair_se/chapters