Vanity Fair, Chapter 49 summary
Chapter 49 of 68 · 13 min to read the chapter
In Chapter 49, Lord Steyne forces his household to invite Rebecca Crawley to dinner, where the women resist her entry into their circle through cold greetings and deliberate exclusion. Lady Steyne responds warmly to her singing, and Becky turns an uncomfortable evening into a social triumph among the men.
What happens
- Lord Steyne humiliates the women of his household and forces Lady Gaunt to invite Colonel and Mrs. Crawley.
- The women recruit Lady Bareacres to help oppose Becky, while Rawdon feels painfully awkward among the guests.
- Becky unsettles Lady Bareacres by mentioning her diamonds and impresses the foreign guests with her French.
- After dinner, the women repeatedly move away from Becky and prevent her from speaking with a child.
- Lady Steyne requests a song, and Becky's performance recalls her happy convent childhood and brings her to tears.
- The men return and gather around Becky at the piano, leaving the hostile women alone.
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In this chapter
What to notice
Lord Steyne makes hospitality an order rather than a choice. His command secures Becky's admission but does not remove the women's hostility.
Quick check
Why does Lady Steyne cry while Becky sings?
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