Vanity Fair · Chapter
In Which Amelia Joins Her Regiment explained
Amelia arrives in Chatham and is warmly welcomed by Captain Dobbin and Ensign Stubble.
What happens
Amelia arrives in Chatham and is warmly welcomed by Captain Dobbin and Ensign Stubble. She meets the boisterous Mrs. O'Dowd and other regimental wives, and is quickly adopted by the officers of the regiment. George Osborne takes pride in her popularity, while Dobbin quietly observes from a distance.
Themes in this chapter
Social Class and Ambition
Amelia's rise in status as a captain's wife and her acceptance by the regiment contrast with the petty jealousies of other wives.
Marriage as Transaction
George's marriage to the portionless Amelia is seen as an act of gallantry that elevates his standing among the young officers.
Appearance vs. Reality
Amelia's simple, artless demeanor wins the hearts of the officers, while the regimental wives quickly find fault with her after the men's admiration.
Characters to notice
- Amelia Sedley
Arrives in Chatham as Mrs. Captain Osborne, meets the regimental wives and officers, and is warmly received.
- William Dobbin
Paces the street awaiting Amelia's arrival, helps her from the carriage, and later lingers outside the inn smoking after the party.
- George Osborne
Proudly presents his wife to the regiment, escorts her to Mrs. O'Dowd's party, and enjoys her popularity.
- Joseph Sedley
Arrives in his fine carriage, is cordial to Dobbin, and later tells his tiger-hunt story at the mess and soirée.
- Mrs. O'Dowd
Welcomes Amelia with enthusiasm, introduces her to regimental life, and hosts a party in her honor.
- Major O'Dowd
Accompanies his wife, is presented to Amelia, and leaves with George and Jos for the mess.
- Ensign Stubble
Admires Amelia upon her arrival and becomes her devoted admirer throughout the evening.
- Mrs. Kirk
Questions Amelia about her religious state and gives her three religious tracts to read.
Key passages
“When Jos’s fine carriage drove up to the inn door at Chatham, the first face which Amelia recognized was the friendly countenance of Captain Dobbin, who had been pacing the street for an hour past in expectation of his friends’ arrival.”
As Jos's elegant carriage arrived at the Chatham inn, Amelia's first sight was Captain Dobbin, who had been waiting anxiously for an hour.
Highlights Dobbin's devoted anticipation of Amelia's arrival.
“It became the fashion, indeed, among all the honest young fellows of the —th to adore and admire Mrs. Osborne.”
The young officers of the regiment soon made it a trend to adore and admire Mrs. Osborne.
Shows Amelia's immediate popularity with the regiment.
“She had a little triumph, which flushed her spirits and made her eyes sparkle.”
Amelia experienced a small victory that lifted her mood and made her eyes shine.
Describes Amelia's joy at being accepted and admired.
“As for Captain Dobbin, he never so much as spoke to her during the whole evening. But he and Captain Porter of the 150th took home Jos to the hotel, who was in a very maudlin state.”
Dobbin did not speak to Amelia all evening, but he helped escort the tipsy Jos back to the hotel.
Contrasts Dobbin's silent devotion with his practical care for Jos.
