Vanity Fair · Chapter
In Which All the Principal Personages Think Fit to Leave Brighton explained
As the characters prepare to leave Brighton, Rebecca schemes to regain Miss Crawley's favor by befriending Briggs and dictating a conciliatory letter to Rawdon.
What happens
As the characters prepare to leave Brighton, Rebecca schemes to regain Miss Crawley's favor by befriending Briggs and dictating a conciliatory letter to Rawdon. Meanwhile, Amelia learns that George's regiment is ordered to Belgium and insists on accompanying him, while Dobbin secretly watches over her.
Themes in this chapter
Vanity and Hypocrisy
Rebecca's feigned emotion and strategic letter-writing highlight the hypocrisy in social relationships.
Marriage as Transaction
Rawdon and Rebecca's marriage is portrayed as a strategic alliance, with Rebecca dictating terms to secure inheritance.
Family and Betrayal
Mrs. Bute's manipulative care of Miss Crawley and the estrangement between George and his father illustrate familial betrayal.
War and Its Aftermath
The impending campaign in Belgium sets the stage for the characters' decisions and fears about separation and danger.
Characters to notice
- Becky Sharp
Schemes to reconcile with Miss Crawley by manipulating Briggs and dictating a letter to Rawdon.
- Rawdon Crawley
Writes a letter to Miss Crawley under Becky's dictation, expressing hope for reconciliation.
- Amelia Sedley
Learns of George's regiment's deployment to Belgium and insists on accompanying him.
- George Osborne
Cheerful about the campaign, reassures Amelia, and agrees to take her to Brussels.
- William Dobbin
Attempts to downplay danger but secretly worries for Amelia; feels conflicted about her departure.
- Miss Briggs
Reconciles with Rebecca after Mrs. Bute's departure and shares information about Miss Crawley.
- Mrs. Bute Crawley
Forced to leave Brighton due to her husband's accident, ending her oppressive control over Miss Crawley.
- Miss Crawley
Begins to recover her spirits after Mrs. Bute's departure, playing piquet with Briggs.
Key passages
“It will hardly be enough to pay the inn bill," grumbled the Guardsman. "Why need we pay it?" said the lady, who had an answer for everything.”
Rawdon complains about their lack of funds, but Becky dismisses the concern, implying they can avoid payment.
Highlights Becky's cunning and disregard for financial obligations.
“She generally succeeded in making her husband share all her opinions, whether melancholy or cheerful.”
Becky always managed to convince Rawdon to adopt her perspective, whether optimistic or pessimistic.
Illustrates Becky's dominance in the marriage.
“I must and will go," Amelia cried with the greatest spirit; and George, applauding her resolution, patted her under the chin.”
Amelia insists on accompanying George to Belgium, and he affectionately supports her decision.
Shows Amelia's newfound determination and George's approval.
