Vanity Fair · Chapter
Sunday After the Battle explained
Rawdon Crawley, having discovered Becky's betrayal and her secret dealings with Lord Steyne, visits his brother Sir Pitt in a state of desperation.
What happens
Rawdon Crawley, having discovered Becky's betrayal and her secret dealings with Lord Steyne, visits his brother Sir Pitt in a state of desperation. He reveals his ruin and refuses a thousand-pound note, intending to use it against Steyne. Rawdon then goes to Captain Macmurdo to arrange a duel, while his household in Curzon Street falls into chaos. The chapter ends with Rawdon preparing for the confrontation, thinking of his son.
Free preview opens on this chapter — companions, themes, and character notes appear beside the text.
Narrative arc
Story tension across the book — this chapter sits in Falling action.
- Setup
- Breaking point
- Aftermath
- Closing
This is the dramatic climax because it marks the psychological breaking point for Jos Sedley, whose cowardice…
Full beat labels and climax notes unlock in the reader.
Follow the arc while readingThemes in this chapter
- Family and Betrayal
Rawdon's betrayal by Becky and the cold reception from his brother Sir Pitt highlight the breakdown of familial trust.
- Appearance vs. Reality
Sir Pitt's orderly study and Sunday rituals contrast with the chaos of Rawdon's life and the scandal beneath the surface.
- Wealth and Poverty
Rawdon's financial ruin and the thousand-pound note symbolize the precariousness of wealth and the moral compromises it entails.
Characters to notice
- Rawdon Crawley
Arrives at Sir Pitt's house in disheveled state, reveals his ruin, and prepares for a duel with Lord Steyne.
- Sir Pitt Crawley
Receives Rawdon coldly, refuses further financial help, but is shocked by the thousand-pound note.
- Lady Jane Crawley
Observes the tense meeting between the brothers, offers Rawdon a hand, and is distressed by the events.
- Captain Macmurdo
Acts as Rawdon's second, helps compose the challenge to Lord Steyne, and comforts Rawdon.
- Becky Sharp
Mentioned as the source of Rawdon's betrayal; her secret dealings with Steyne and the hidden banknote are central to the conflict.
- Lord Steyne
The intended recipient of Rawdon's challenge; implicated in the scandal with Becky.
- Rawdon Minor
Thought of by Rawdon with affection; Rawdon gives his sleeve-buttons to Macmurdo for him.
Key passages
“Pitt, it's all over with me. I'm done.”
Rawdon tells his brother that his life and fortunes are completely ruined.
Rawdon's declaration of utter defeat after discovering Becky's betrayal.
“I hope to put a bullet into the man whom that belongs to.”
Rawdon intends to use the thousand-pound note to kill Lord Steyne in a duel.
Rawdon's vengeful plan against Steyne, using the ill-gotten banknote.
“He's a regular trump, that boy.”
Rawdon speaks fondly of his son, calling him a fine and reliable child.
Rawdon's affectionate thoughts about little Rawdon as he faces possible death.
