Evaluate the Way Becky and Amelia Fit Into the Dichotomy of `Virtuous and Vixenish' Thus Far
Summary:
In Vanity Fair, many of the qualities valued are focused around money, class, breeding and good female behaviour. All these qualities are possessed by Amelia and thus she is portrayed as the virtuous character in Vanity Fair.
Becky and Amelia are two very opposite characters. Their contrasting personality and actions emphasize their different roles in society. Amelia is shown throughout chapters 1 to 12 as a model 19th century woman, prepared and schooled for a domestic life as that of a housewife. Amelia has been prepared for marriage through her attendance of Miss Pinkerton's academy and all her aspirations, dreams and hopes are centred around one ideal; marriage.
In Vanity Fair, many of the qualities valued are focused around money, class, breeding and good female behaviour. All these qualities are possessed by Amelia and thus she is portrayed as the virtuous character in Vanity Fair. However whilst Amelia is portrayed as the perfect woman, Thackeray's tone towards her is often one of weariness and cynicism as Amelia is often blinded by love and by her own naivety. Amelia has been born into a wealthy family and has experienced a smooth, easy upbringing. She has a loving family who has in many ways protected her from the 'evils of society. This has thus led Amelia to a heavy reliance and constance dependence on those around her. Amelia is often quite dreamy and doesn't see things right under her nose or if so chooses to ignore it. This can be seen especially through her relationship with George Osborne. Amelia's obsession with George Osborne doesn't allow her see the flaws in his character.
Amelia's submissive and naive nature is heightened by the obvious contrast to Becky. Becky experienced a hard childhood as she was orphaned at a young age. She was often beaten by her father and spent a lot of time surrounded by men. Due to this, Becky has had more experience and knows men better. Becky's hard childhood has taught her that in order to survive she must be tough and look out for herself as her number one priority. Becky's attitude and actions towards marriage defines her purpose which is that of self promotion and a social climber. Thackeray explains Becky's behaviour as a result of superficial and hypocritical society. In many ways Thackeray seems to be approving Becky's behaviour as really she is in fact just a product of her society. Becky's scheming, plotting and deception is in many ways very obvious but Thackeray explains this as in many young women's cases, like Amelia it is the mother who does the plotting and scheming for them in order to achieve an ideal marriage. However as Becky is motherless she realizes that if she is to succeed, she has to rely on herself.
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