Vanity Fair · Chapter
The Girl I Left Behind Me explained
As the British army prepares to march from Brussels, the chapter contrasts the experiences of those who go to war and those left behind.
What happens
As the British army prepares to march from Brussels, the chapter contrasts the experiences of those who go to war and those left behind. Becky Sharp, with calculated composure, manages her affairs and counts her valuables, while Rawdon Crawley shows genuine anxiety about leaving her. Mrs. O'Dowd dutifully prepares her husband Major O'Dowd for battle, and Joseph Sedley is roused by a distracted William Dobbin, who is more concerned with Amelia Osborne. The chapter explores the emotional and practical aftermath of departure.
Themes in this chapter
War and Its Aftermath
The chapter focuses on the noncombatants left behind as troops march to battle, highlighting the anxiety, preparation, and emotional toll of war.
Marriage as Transaction
Becky's calculation of her financial assets after Rawdon's departure underscores the transactional nature of her marriage, where security and valuables are paramount.
Appearance vs. Reality
Becky's outward composure masks her self-interested calculations, while Dobbin's professed concern for Jos hides his true focus on Amelia.
Characters to notice
- Becky Sharp
Shows Spartan equanimity at parting from Rawdon; calculates her financial position and valuables, including gifts from General Tufto and Captain Osborne.
- Rawdon Crawley
Deeply affected by the leave-taking; expresses concern for Becky's future and his debts; gives her his savings and a draft on Osborne's banker.
- Joseph Sedley
Sleeps through the early morning bugles; is roused by Dobbin for a farewell handshake.
- William Dobbin
Visits Jos to say goodbye but is distracted, listening and looking for Amelia.
- Major O'Dowd
Prepares for march; sleeps early and is woken by his wife at half-past one; appears trim and alert on parade.
- Mrs. O'Dowd
Packs the Major's valise, brushes his cloak, and prepares coffee; reads her uncle's sermons after his departure.
- General Tufto
Mentioned as having given Becky a cashmere shawl and a watch; hears Rawdon's laughter through the hotel.
- George Osborne
Mentioned as having given Becky a watch; preoccupied with his own affairs and grief at parting from Amelia.
Key passages
“So it is in the world. Jack or Donald marches away to glory with his knapsack on his shoulder, stepping out briskly to the tune of 'The Girl I Left Behind Me.' It is she who remains and suffers—and has the leisure to think, and brood, and remember.”
The man goes off to war cheerfully, while the woman left behind has time to dwell on her sorrow.
Narrator's reflection on the gendered experience of war.
“Knowing how useless regrets are, and how the indulgence of sentiment only serves to make people more miserable, Mrs. Rebecca wisely determined to give way to no vain feelings of sorrow, and bore the parting from her husband with quite a Spartan equanimity.”
Becky deliberately suppresses her emotions, believing sentiment only causes more pain.
Highlights Becky's pragmatic and self-controlled nature.
“Every calculation made of these valuables Mrs. Rebecca found, not without a pungent feeling of triumph and self-satisfaction, that should circumstances occur, she might reckon on six or seven hundred pounds at the very least, to begin the world with.”
Becky takes satisfaction in counting her assets, estimating she has at least six or seven hundred pounds if needed.
Shows Becky's materialistic and calculating mindset.
“The hypocrite was looking and listening with all his might in”
Dobbin pretended to care about Jos but was actually focused on Amelia.
Narrator exposes Dobbin's true motive for visiting Jos.
