In Which the Reader Is Introduced to the Very Best of Company explained

What happens

Themes in this chapter

• Social Class and Ambition

  Becky's relentless pursuit of social elevation through Court presentation and aristocratic patronage illustrates the theme of ambition overriding moral scruples.

• Appearance vs. Reality

  Becky's presentation at Court is portrayed as a 'certificate of virtue' that sanitizes her reputation, despite her manipulative and deceitful nature.

• Vanity and Hypocrisy

  The chapter satirizes the vanity of high society, where a royal audience can transform a dubious character into an 'honest woman' in the eyes of the world.

Characters to notice

• Becky Sharp

  Achieves presentation at Court and receives patronage from Lord Steyne; secretly uses his money to settle debts and buy gifts.

• Rawdon Crawley

  Becky's husband, largely unaware of her financial dealings; goes to his Club while Becky manages their affairs.

• Sir Pitt Crawley

  Escorts Becky to Court in his new family carriage, acting as her sponsor.

• Lady Jane Crawley

  Acts as Becky's godmother at Court, accompanying her in the carriage.

• Lord Steyne

  Visits Becky after his wife and daughter leave their cards; teases her about her social climbing and gives her a banknote.

• Miss Briggs

  Becky's companion; receives a new black silk gown and a kiss from Becky as a gift.

• Raggles

  The greengrocer and landlord; watches the carriage arrive and later receives fifty pounds from Becky on account.

• Mrs. Bute Crawley

  In the country, she vents her indignation at Becky's presentation, contrasting it with her own virtuous but less rewarded daughters.

Key passages

• “If she did not wish to lead a virtuous life, at least she desired to enjoy a character for virtue, and we know that no lady in the genteel world can possess this desideratum, until she has put on a train and feathers and has been presented to her Sovereign at Court.”

  Becky didn't care about being truly virtuous, but she desperately wanted to be seen as virtuous, and in high society that required being formally presented to the king.

  Highlights the theme of appearance vs. reality and the social importance of Court presentation.

• “Lord! lord! how poor Mrs. Washington White's card and Lady Crackenbury's card—which our little friend had been glad enough to get a few months back, and of which the silly little creature was rather proud once—Lord! lord! I say, how soon at the appearance of these grand court cards, did those poor little neglected deuces sink down to the bottom of the pack.”

  Becky quickly discarded the visiting cards of her former, less prestigious acquaintances once she received cards from the Marchioness of Steyne and the Countess of Gaunt.

  Illustrates Becky's social climbing and the ruthless hierarchy of Vanity Fair.

• “She gently said 'she would take a hundred and fifty pounds in small notes and the remainder in one note': and passing through St. Paul's Churchyard stopped there and bought the handsomest black silk gown for Briggs which money could buy; and which, with a kiss and the kindest speeches, she presented to the simple old spinster.”

  Becky cashed Lord Steyne's banknote, keeping most of it as a large note, and used part of the money to buy an expensive silk dress for her companion Briggs, giving it with affectionate words.

  Shows Becky's strategic generosity and her use of Lord Steyne's money to secure loyalty and silence.