Summary
Vanity Fair is an acclaimed novel by William Makepeace Thackeray, first published serially from 1847 to 1848. The narrative unfolds amid the tumultuous backdrop of the Napoleonic Wars, exploring the contrasting lives of its two main female protagonists—the opportunistic Becky Sharp and the naive Amelia Sedley. Rich in satire, the story presents a critical analysis of early 19th-century British society, drawing its title from John Bunyan’s allegorical tale Pilgrim's Progress, where "Vanity Fair" symbolizes the sin of materialism. Thackeray’s masterpiece dissects the complexities of human nature and societal norms through a detailed examination of his characters’ fortunes and misadventures.
Becky Sharp, the daughter of an impoverished art teacher and a French opera dancer, is depicted as a cunning and ambitious young woman. With no inheritance or status to prop her up, she relies on her wit and charm to navigate the socioeconomic ladder of English society. Becky’s journey from a manipulative student at Miss Pinkerton's Academy to the heights of British aristocracy is marked by her relentless pursuit of wealth and stature, often at the expense of others. Her story contrasts sharply with that of her friend, Amelia Sedley, whose life is defined by her sheltered upbringing, romantic illusions, and subsequent experiences of love and loss.
The novel doesn’t shy away from depicting the harsh realities of the time, from financial ruin and societal expectations to the atrocities of war. At the Battle of Waterloo, significant events unfold that dramatically alter the lives of the characters, including the death of George Osborne and the eventual moral and financial decline of several families. Becky, despite her intelligence and strategic maneuverings, faces her own set of challenges and scandals, particularly relating to her marriage to Rawdon Crawley and her interactions with the wealthy and powerful Marquis of Steyne. Meanwhile, Amelia’s journey of self-realization and eventual reconciliation with Dobbin, who harbors an unrequited love for her, highlights the theme of unattainable ideals versus the reality of human imperfections.
Thackeray’s novel is renowned for its intricate character studies, wit, and moral observations. The author himself acts as a sort of puppet master, directly addressing the reader and offering commentary on the actions and motivations of his characters, reinforcing the notion that society itself is a kind of "Vanity Fair" where virtues are often compromised for vanity and social standing. Vanity Fair’s critical view of society, innovative narrative techniques, and complex characters have cemented it as a poignant exploration of human vice and virtue, maintaining its relevance and appeal to this day.
Themes
Societal satire and critique
Morality and ethics
Class and social ambition
Deception and manipulation
Wealth and poverty
Hypocrisy in society
Female agency and dependency
Love and marriage
War and peace
Friendship and loyalty
Parenting and family dynamics
Success and failure
Setting
Vanity Fair by William Makepeace Thackeray is set against the backdrop of early 19th-century British society. Spanning from 1814 to 1832, the novel intricately details the events and social dynamics of England during the Napoleonic Wars, linking the personal fortunes of its characters to the greater historical movements of the time. The story spans various global settings, with pivotal locations on the European continent such as the Low Countries and the Rhineland, and even stretching as far as Madras, reflecting the reach and influence of the British Empire at the time.
The geographical and social settings of Vanity Fair are intrinsic to its plot and character development. London, as the epicenter of British society, serves as a critical stage where the novel’s characters pursue their ambitions and confront their moral choices. The inclusion of continental sites, notably around the period of the Battle of Waterloo, underscores the novel's historical context, grounding the personal dramas of the characters within larger geopolitical shifts. The reference to Madras aligns with Thackeray's commentary on the British class system and the empire's colonial reach, providing a commentary on the socio-political landscape of the era.
The era depicted in Vanity Fair is one of significant transition, marked by the aftermath of the Napoleonic Wars and the onset of the Victorian era. Thackeray captures the contradictions of a society on the brink of modernity yet still deeply entrenched in the values and hierarchies of the past. Through its diverse settings, Vanity Fair paints a comprehensive picture of a world characterized by its vanity and pursuit of social standing, making the novel a timeless satirical exploration of human nature and ambition.
Characters
Amelia "Emmy" Sedley: A good-natured but naïve and passive young woman, raised in a wealthy family.
Rebecca "Becky" Sharp: An intelligent and manipulative young woman from a poor background, determined to make her way in society.
George Osborne: Emmy's betrothed, a handsome charmer but selfish and profligate spender.
William Dobbin: George's best friend, in love with Amelia, loyal and magnanimous.
Rawdon Crawley: Becky's husband, an empty-headed cavalry officer with a penchant for gambling.
Pitt Crawley: Rawdon's elder brother, who inherits the family estate and is religious with political aspirations.
Miss Matilda Crawley: Wealthy aunt of Rawdon and Pitt, initially favors Rawdon before he marries Becky.
Joseph Sedley: Emmy's older brother, a wealthy but insecure and shy man who works in India.
Sir Pitt Crawley: The father of Rawdon and Pitt, a boorish and vulgar man.
Lady Jane Sheepshanks: Pitt Crawley's wife, who dislikes Becky and influences Pitt against helping Rawdon and Becky.
Major O'Dowd: The head of the regiment to which George, William, and Rawdon belong.
Miss Briggs: Companion to Miss Crawley, befriended by Becky.
General Tufto: One of the powerful men Becky flirts with to advance Rawdon's career.
Marquis of Steyne: A rich and powerful man who is charmed by Becky and patronizes her, leading to scandal.
FAQs
What is the central theme or message of the novel?
Vanity Fair satirizes and critiques the vanity and superficiality of early 19th-century British society, particularly the wealthy upper classes.
Who are the main characters and what are their roles?
The main characters are Becky Sharp, an intelligent and cunning social climber, and Amelia Sedley, a good-natured but naive young woman. Their contrasting personalities and approaches to life drive much of the narrative.
How does the novel portray women's roles and perspectives?
Vanity Fair provides a nuanced portrayal of women's experiences in 19th-century British society, exploring themes of marriage, social status, and the limited options available to women.
What is the significance of the novel's title?
The title "Vanity Fair" refers to a metaphorical place of human corruption and vanity, alluding to a location from John Bunyan's 17th-century allegory Pilgrim's Progress.
How does the Napoleonic Wars backdrop influence the story?
While the Napoleonic Wars serve as a historical backdrop, Vanity Fair primarily uses the wars as a setting to explore the characters' motivations, relationships, and societal critiques.
What narrative techniques does the author employ?
In Vanity Fair, William Makepeace Thackeray uses an omniscient narrator, satire, and his own illustrations to provide social commentary and insights into the characters' thoughts and actions.
How is the theme of social class and status explored?
Social class and status are central themes in Vanity Fair, as characters like Becky Sharp strive to ascend the social ladder through strategic marriages and relationships with the wealthy elite.
What are the novel's notable literary influences or comparisons?
Thackeray's style and storytelling approach were influenced by earlier writers like Henry Fielding. Vanity Fair is often compared to Leo Tolstoy's War and Peace for its historical backdrop.
How has the novel been adapted for other media?
Vanity Fair has been adapted into several films, television series, radio dramas, and stage productions, with varying interpretations of the characters and storylines.
What is the novel's legacy and critical reception?
Vanity Fair is considered a classic of English literature and a significant work of social satire, although some critics have pointed out excessive cynicism in Thackeray's portrayal of human nature.
Quotes
"Revenge may be wicked, but it’s natural."
"Which of us is happy in this world? Which of us has his desire? or, having it, is satisfied?"
"Never lose a chance of saying a kind word."
"Mother is the name for God in the lips and hearts of little children."
"If a man's character is to be abused, say what you will, there's nobody like a relative to do the business."
"Are not there little chapters in everybody's life, that seem to be nothing, and yet affect all the rest of the history?"
"In the midst of friends, home, and kind parents, she was alone."
"All is vanity, nothing is fair."
Quick facts
Vanity Fair was initially published as a serialization, a method common in the Victorian Era, in 20 monthly installments from 1847 to 1848.
Thackeray not only wrote but also illustrated Vanity Fair, providing a vivid depiction of the characters and settings through his own artwork.
The novel was originally subtitled "Pen and Pencil Sketches of English Society," highlighting Thackeray's intention to critique and satirize societal norms of his time.
Vanity Fair was the first novel Thackeray published under his own name. Before this, he used pen names such as Michael Angelo Titmarsh.
The famous yellow covers of the serial parts of Vanity Fair became a distinguishing hallmark of Thackeray's work.
One of the novel's notable features is its absence of a traditional hero, which is boldly announced in its extended title, Vanity Fair: A Novel without a Hero.
The book takes its title from "Vanity Fair," a location in John Bunyan's Pilgrim's Progress, symbolizing man's sinful attachment to worldly things.
In 2003, Vanity Fair was listed at Number 122 on the BBC's The Big Read poll of the UK's best-loved books, illustrating its enduring popularity and relevance.
The character of Becky Sharp is considered one of the early examples of an anti-heroine in English literature, breaking away from traditional portrayals of female characters at the time.
Thackeray's own family experiences, including financial loss and societal pressures, are thought to have influenced themes within Vanity Fair.
About the author
William Makepeace Thackeray was a 19th-century English author and illustrator distinguished for his sharp wit and keen observation and critique of societal norms. While best known for his novels Vanity Fair and The Luck of Barry Lyndon, his extensive body of work spans across satires, sketches, and novels addressing a range of themes from greed to morality. .
Born in Calcutta, British India, in 1811, Thackeray lost his father early in life and was sent back to England for education. Despite briefly attending Trinity College, Cambridge, he left academia to pursue travel across Europe, indulging in the arts and accruing experiences that would later influence his literary endeavors. His career in writing emerged as a necessity to support his family after squandering his inheritance due to unfortunate investments. His journey through the literary world began with journalism, contributing to publications like Fraser's Magazine and The Times, and evolved into serialized novels. Despite personal challenges, including his wife Isabella's mental health issues, Thackeray's literary career flourished, particularly with the publication of Vanity Fair, which solidified his reputation as a leading writer of the Victorian era.
Renowned for his humor and finesse, Thackeray supplemented his novels with lectures on English humorists and historical figures, showcasing his diverse talents and deep appreciation for the literary arts. His death in 1863 at the age of 52 left a significant void in the literary world, but his works continue to be celebrated for their insight, humor, and portrayal of Victorian society.
