At the end of William Makepeace Thackeray’s novel “Vanity Fair,” the story concludes with the fates of its main characters revealed, highlighting themes of social ambition, morality, and the fleeting nature of fortune.
Overview of the Novel’s Plot and Themes
“Vanity Fair” is a satirical novel set during the Napoleonic Wars, centered around the lives of two women of contrasting characters: the ambitious and cunning Becky Sharp and the kind-hearted but naive Amelia Sedley. Throughout the novel, Thackeray explores themes of social mobility, hypocrisy, greed, and the moral complexities of Victorian society. The narrative spans several years, depicting the rise and fall of its characters amid the tumult of war, love, and societal expectations.
The Final Chapters and Character Resolutions
In the concluding chapters, the novel’s characters face the consequences of their choices. Becky Sharp, who has climbed the social ladder through manipulation and wit, ultimately faces downfall due to her unscrupulous behavior. Despite her cunning, her schemes catch up with her, and she ends up impoverished and alone. Meanwhile, Amelia Sedley’s unwavering virtue and kindness lead her to a modest but genuine happiness. She marries George Osborne, her childhood love, and they settle into a peaceful life, contrasting sharply with Becky’s turbulent fate.
The Fates of Major Characters
- Becky Sharp: Her relentless pursuit of social status culminates in her losing her wealth and influence. She faces hardship but retains her sharp wit and resilience, ending the story in a position of relative poverty but with her survival intact.
- Amelia Sedley: Her goodness and patience are rewarded as she finds love and stability with George Osborne. Her character embodies virtue and moral integrity, culminating in a contented life.
- George Osborne: He returns from war, marries Amelia, and begins a new, stable chapter, reflecting traditional Victorian values of fidelity and respectability.
- Rawdon Crawley: Becky’s impulsive husband, who faces financial difficulties but remains loyal to Becky. His fate is intertwined with her fortunes.
- Joseph Sedley: Amelia’s brother, who continues his pursuit of wealth and social standing, often characterized by folly and superficiality.
The Novel’s Ending and Its Moral Significance
The ending of “Vanity Fair” underscores Thackeray’s satirical critique of Victorian society. It suggests that moral virtue does not always guarantee wealth or social success, while cunning and ambition can lead to downfall. The story ends with a sense of moral realism: characters who pursue superficial gains often find emptiness, whereas those with genuine virtue find happiness. The final scenes reinforce the idea that true worth is not measured by social rank or material possessions, but by integrity and kindness.
Historical and Literary Context of the Ending
Thackeray wrote “Vanity Fair” in the mid-19th century, a time of great social change and upheaval. Its ending reflects Victorian values but also offers a critique of the era’s obsession with social status and material success. The novel’s realistic tone and complex characters set it apart from more idealized Victorian literature, emphasizing that life is often unpredictable and morally ambiguous.
Common Misconceptions About the Ending
- That Becky Sharp is entirely villainous: While Becky is morally flexible and manipulative, her survival instincts and intelligence make her a complex character rather than purely evil.
- That all characters are punished or rewarded: Thackeray’s ending suggests that life is unpredictable; some virtuous characters face hardship, while some unscrupulous characters succeed temporarily.
- That the story provides a happy ending: The ending is more realistic than traditionally happy, emphasizing moral truths over fairy-tale resolution.
Why the Ending Matters Today
The conclusion of “Vanity Fair” remains relevant because it challenges readers to consider the true value of morality versus material success. It invites reflection on societal priorities and personal integrity, making it a timeless critique of social ambition and human nature.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Does Becky Sharp get a happy ending?
No, Becky ends up impoverished and alone, illustrating the novel’s moral message about the fleeting nature of superficial success.
2. What is the main moral of the novel’s ending?
The ending emphasizes that virtue and integrity are more meaningful than wealth or social status, which can be fleeting or illusory.
3. How does the ending reflect Victorian society?
It critiques Victorian values by showing that social mobility and material wealth are often achieved at the expense of morality and honesty.
4. Is the ending optimistic or pessimistic?
It is realistically balanced; it recognizes the triumph of virtue in some characters while acknowledging life’s unpredictability and moral complexity.
5. How does the ending compare to other Victorian novels?
Unlike more idealistic Victorian stories, “Vanity Fair” concludes with a more nuanced, sometimes somber reflection on human nature and societal values.
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