Vanity Fair
Chapter 20: In Which Captain Dobbin Acts as the Messenger of Hymen
by William Makepeace Thackeray
Dobbin assists Amelia and George.
Dobbin assists Amelia and George.
The central character, John Melmoth, is a scholar who sells his soul to the devil in exchange for 150 extra years of life and spends that time searching for someone who will take over the pact for him; the novel actually takes place in the present, but this backstory is revealed through several nested stories-within-a-story that work backwards through time (usually through the Gothic trope of old books).
The Count of Monte Cristo visits Maximilian's house.
The lawyer arrives, with his own plans for dealing with the situation. The group spends their last evening together. Laura gives Walter a parting gift.
Van Helsing tries to convince the others of what Lucy has become. They agree to work with him to try to stop what is happening.
Sonya is told of her families troubles. Raskolnikov finally admits his crimes to Sonia, who promises not to abandoned him in his time of need.
The author discusses the history and philosophy of counting.
The majestic procession passes through the marketplace. Hester is disheartened to see the richness and power of Puritan tradition displayed with such pomp. News about Chillingworth worries Hester about her future.
The men find a fort. Carlos takes out his anger on Spotted Wolf.
David goes home for the holidays and is introduced to a new family member.
The reader is introduced to Squire Cass' two sons, Dunstan and Godfrey.
Jurgis and Ona celebrate their wedding, however so little money is received from the guest that Jurgis can't pay for the reception. Jurgis vows to work harder. Jurgis and Ona's past in Lithuania is revisited.
Agnes Grey narrates her family background and the circumstances that led to her employment as a governess.
Magua visits the Delaware in search of Cora. Magua attempts to turn the Delaware against Hawkeye.
Holgrave tells Phoebe the story of the Pyncheon curse involving Matthew Maule, Gervayse Pyncheon and his daughter Alice.
The men of Vanity Fair say their farewells as the depart for battle.
After a conversation with Bresnahan, Carol's opinion of Will becomes more critical. A visit from Will's friends causes tension in the Kennicott home, eventually resulting in a extreme request by Carol. Bea's departure leaves Carol doing all the housework. Will's proposal of building a new house only leaves Carol more frustrated than before.
Raskolnikov's hatred for Alyona is recounted.
Phoebe begins to brighten up the lives of Hepzibah and Clifford.
A change of disguises allows Uncas to escape a dire fate. Hawkeye trusts that the Huron’:s superstitions will save Gamut.
A spoiled young boy torments an old woman, who curses him to fall in love with the silent princess. He decides he must go into the world and seek this princess, or die. He comes to learn that many others have lost their lives trying to get the silent princess to speak. Luckily, he befriends a nightingale who helps him in his challenges.
An old friend is summoned to his childhood friend’s home to comfort him during his final days of an illness only to witness strange and horrifying happenings in the House of Usher.
The narrator discusses Katerina's spending of the money given to her by Raskolnikov. Katerina, whose health appears to be failing, treats her guests rudely.
Malcolm reveals an important secret to the Baroness. Various relationships face the strictures of society, dependent upon class and status to survive.