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Volume 1, Letter 18
Themes
Key
LitCharts assigns a color and icon to each theme in Evelina: or, The History of a Young Lady’s Entrance into the World, which you can use to track the themes throughout the work.
Sensibility, Etiquette, and Appearances
Gender, Reputation, and Marriage
Inheritance, Class, and Nobility
Innocence, Guidance, and Experience
Summary
Analysis
Madame Duval and Monsieur Du Bois arrive at the Mirvans’ for dinner. Captain Mirvan immediately begins to tease them and mocks Monsieur De Bois for being Madame Duval’s “beau,” which Evelina does not understand. Madame Duval is infuriated, and the pair begin to bicker about the difference between French and English manners. In the middle of this, Sir Clement arrives; Evelina is amazed at how brazenly he makes himself at home, even though the family does not know him well.
Captain Mirvan points out that Monsieur Du Bois is clearly Madame Duval’s lover, but Evelina, who is innocent about such things, does not understand. It is ironic that Madame Duval and Captain Mirvan bicker about manners, as both are extremely rude. Although Sir Clement understands etiquette, he disregards these rules when it serves his own interests. For example, he barges in on the Mirvans because he wants an excuse to spend time with Evelina and does not care that his behavior is rude. This suggests that Sir Clement does not really care about politeness but only uses it to maintain his reputation and get his own way.
Themes
Captain Mirvan greets Sir Clement heartily, and Sir Clement immediately joins the Captain in teasing Madame Duval. Sir Clement makes a joke about Monsieur Du Bois dropping Madame Duval in a puddle, and Monsieur Du Bois responds that he would never do anything to willingly hurt or offend a woman. He further explains that he dropped Madame Duval into the puddle because he was pushed himself, though he does not know who did it.
Although Sir Clement pretends to be polite, he is rude to Madame Duval because it suits his interests: he’s flattering Captain Mirvan to get closer to Evelina. This suggests that Sir Clement is disingenuous and does not really care about being a good person. Monsieur Du Bois is more considerate than Captain Mirvan: he takes Madame Duval’s physical safety seriously, whereas Captain Mirvan disregards it and actively tries to hurt Madame Duval. It’s implied that he is the one who pushed Monsieur Du Bois. This suggests that 18th-century British society is misogynistic: men feel that they can hurt women without facing consequences.
Themes
Mrs. Mirvan quickly changes the subject and suggests that they all take a trip to Cox’s Museum. Once they arrive, they walk around the exhibit, and Sir Clement asks Evelina for her opinion of it. Evelina says that it is pretty but that it seems to lack substance, and Sir Clement is impressed by her naturally refined tastes. Madame Duval, however, says that this is the finest collection she has ever seen and is delighted with the exhibition.
Here, Evelina demonstrates her natural sensibility—a fashionable 18th-century concept associated with empathy, kindness, and naturally appreciation of meaningful art. Madame Duval, in contrast, is insensible, as she is deeply impressed with the exhibition even though it is quite shallow.
Themes
Madame Duval notices a music box shaped like a pineapple and delightedly begins to sing along with the music. Captain Mirvan, however, sneaks up behind her and stuffs his snuff pouch under her nose so that she inhales it unexpectedly. Madame Duval screams in pain, causing Captain Mirvan to laugh so loudly that he causes a scene. Evelina is confused as to why, even after this, Madame Duval insists on returning home for dinner with the Mirvans.
Although this scene is treated comically, Captain Mirvan’s total disregard for Madame Duval, and his willingness to physically hurt her as a joke, showcases his misogynistic disregard for women’s safety. Madame Duval is a social climber and puts up with Captain Mirvan because this allows her to get close to Evelina—whose real father, Sir John, is a nobleman. Madame Duval thinks that her connection to Evelina may improve her social status, as it will give her a family connection to the prestigious Sir John.
Themes
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