The LRB Podcast Close Readings: 'Vanity Fair' by William Makepeace Thackeray
Apr 23, 2025
Colin Burrow, a literary scholar, and Rosemary Hill, an expert in history and literature, discuss Thackeray's 'Vanity Fair' and its sharp critique of Regency England. They explore Thackeray's personal struggles that shaped his narrative style. The podcast delves into the significance of clothing, class dynamics, and how characters like Becky Sharp navigate a turbulent society. The influence of the Battle of Waterloo is examined, shedding light on the changing social landscape and Thackeray's keen observations of moral complexities and ambition.
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Thackeray's Hybrid Narrative Style
- Thackeray's Vanity Fair is a historical novel looking back to the Regency period with both satire and nostalgia.
- His journalistic skill shapes the novel’s voice, blending essay and novel traditions to engage a literate audience.
Regency Era's Literary Reputation
- Victorian writers, including Thackeray, hated the Regency era and reflected this in Vanity Fair.
- Setting the novel in a recent past created a mix of familiarity and mythology to captivate readers.
Plot and Themes of Vanity Fair
- Vanity Fair follows two women, Amelia and Becky, through complex social and personal struggles illustrating societal vanity.
- Becky’s social climbing and Amelia’s loyalty highlight themes of debt, appearance, and personal transformation.
