Vanity Fair
Chapter 17: How Captain Dobbin Bought a Piano
by William Makepeace Thackeray
Dobbin makes a purchase for Amelia.
Dobbin makes a purchase for Amelia.
Thoreau observes and documents the geography of Walden Pond as well as other neighboring bodies of water.
Jeremiah Anderson's pride keeps him from asking for help from his ex-slave master after he is freed.
Colonel Passford laments his situation to Captain Rombold. Christy is disappointed to see his uncle’s condition.
Darnay exits the courtroom and is eventually joined by Sydney Carton, whose appearance strongly resembles Darnay's.
Mr. Dick visits the school and tells David of an encounter that his Aunt Betsy has had. David's visit with the Heeps leaves him feeling manipulated.
The men discuss the battle, showing respect for the efforts of each man.
With Mr. St. Clare gone, Mrs. St. Clare makes a decision about the slaves. Tom's hopes for finding a new, kind master are gone after meeting Simon Legree.
An evil prince and his mother, the queen, conspire to kill the prince’s brother who is good, kind, and handsome. The good prince (Leander) befriends a snake, which turns into a beautiful fairy. The fairy gives him a magical cap that can turn him invisible.
This introduction provides a frame for the main narrative of The Scarlet Letter. The nameless narrator, who shares quite a few traits with the book’s author, takes a post as the “chief executive officer,” or surveyor, of the Salem Custom House. This section introduces us to the narrator and establishes his desire to contribute to American culture.
Hans, one of the older brothers, attempts to turn the Golden River to pure gold and because of his terrible nature, fails and is turned to stone by the river.
Hilda wanders through a picture gallery and feels the weariness and lonliness that accompanies it.
Mole is busy with spring-cleaning when he feels compelled to visit the world above. Mole and Rat take a trip up the river.
The Count of Monte Cristo leaves Paris with Maximilian, and then he visits his old house where Mercedes now lives.
Dorothy and her friends come upon the flying gargoyles (or “gurgles” as she calls them).
News of the Martian defeat spreads throughout the land.
The Tuskegee Institute creates a new program to allow the less privileged to attend. The author's skills as a public speaker put him in a position of high demand.
Betsy and her friends say goodbye to Kaliko and leave the forest, but before they leave they notice a trail of gems leading out and see Ruggedo at the end of the trail. He agrees to help Shaggy’s brother and tells them that a mortal maid must kiss him. Betsy agrees to help. The charm isn’t broken. The Rose Princess (who was once a fairy) tries and fails. Polychrome tries and breaks the spell.
Newland and his mother tell the van der Luydens about the Countess' recent treatment. The van der Luydens extend an invitation to the Countess.
Peter, Tinkerbell, and the Darling children take flight as they make their way to Neverland.
The church breaks out is a sudden commotion when a dog has a run in with a beetle.
Bertuccio finishes telling his story for why he fears the house Auteuil to the Count of Monte Cristo. The Count and Bertuccio then return to the house in Paris.
Sydney Carton imagines a future far brighter than the one he is now witnessing.