# In Which Amelia Joins Her Regiment explained — Vanity Fair

> Chapter companion for Vanity Fair by William Makepeace Thackeray.

## 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.

## Character check-ins

### 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 lines

> 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._

## Links

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