Vanity Fair: A Novel Without a Hero

Becky is still disappointed by her failure to ensnare Jos. She begins to work on the Crawley family. Lady Crawley is ignored by Becky, but she gives the daughters free rein to study what they please. Noticing Pitt Junior’s need for admiration, she praises his political writing. She flatters Sir Pitt by working on his legal cases, playing backgammon, and pushing aside Sir Pitt’s former confidant, John Horrocks. After the Sedley house, Becky is careful to be polite and respectful to the staff. Becky discovers the bitter rivalry between Rawdon and Pitt Junior. Sir Pitt’s rich half-sister, Matilda Crowley, prefers Rawdon, who is an energetic young soldier and a “dandy about town” (105). Before Rawdon was expelled from Cambridge University, she covered his tuition fees. After his expulsion, she paid for his military commission. Matilda dislikes the pretentious, pious Pitt Junior. He dislikes her in equal measure, believing that she is a godless hedonist. Matilda reads French philosophy and hates to feel constrained.

Reverend Bute’s wife, Martha Crawley, is determined to convince Matilda to name her as the main beneficiary of her will. Reverend Bute is a country gentleman who enjoys hunting and gambling, making him popular in his constituency.