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Vanity Fair, Chapter 12 summary

Chapter 12 of 68 · 14 min to read the chapter

In Chapter 12, Amelia Sedley devotes herself to George Osborne, despite his frequent absences and his sisters’ contempt, while Captain Dobbin quietly notices her loneliness. Peace relieves her fear that George must fight abroad, and her passionate letters expose a devotion that contrasts with Miss Maria Osborne’s interest in wealth and status.

What happens

  1. George’s sisters and Miss Wirt patronize Amelia and encourage George to regard his engagement as a generous sacrifice.
  2. Captain Dobbin finds Amelia waiting for George, but his attempt to locate his friend brings her no relief.
  3. After three days without George, Amelia visits his sisters and struggles to hide her distress.
  4. European peace delights Amelia because George’s regiment no longer faces active service.
  5. The narrator contrasts Amelia’s wholehearted love with Maria Osborne’s pursuit of the comforts represented by Frederick Augustus Bullock.
  6. Amelia confides in Laura Martin, excuses George’s absences, and writes long, emotional letters in return for his brief ones.

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In this chapter

AmeliaWilliam DobbinGeorge OsborneJoseph SedleyTheme: Unequal devotion

What to notice

Amelia understands international peace chiefly through George’s safety. The sentence captures how completely her love governs her attention and feelings.

Quick check

Why does Amelia rejoice when peace is declared?

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