79 pages • 2 hours read
William Makepeace ThackerayVanity Fair: A Novel Without a Hero
Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 1847A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.
Before You Read
Super Short Summary
Vanity Fair by William Makepeace Thackeray follows Becky Sharp, a clever and manipulative woman of humble origins, and her friend Amelia Sedley, a naive and wealthy girl, as they navigate societal ambitions and personal relationships in 19th-century England. Themes of social climbing, betrayal, and love intersect against the backdrop of historical events, illustrating the morally ambiguous nature of their world. The book features discussions of physical abuse, racism, and suicidal ideation.
Reviews & Readership
Review Roundup
William Makepeace Thackeray's Vanity Fair is lauded for its satirical critique of 19th-century British society, vivid characterizations, and complex plot. Critics appreciate its wit and incisive examination of social ambition. However, some find its length daunting and its moral ambiguity unsettling. Overall, it remains a cornerstone of classic English literature.
Who Should Read Vanity Fair?
A reader who enjoys Vanity Fair by William Makepeace Thackeray relishes 19th-century classics with incisive social commentary, complex characters, and satirical undertones. They likely appreciate works like Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen and Middlemarch by George Eliot for their rich exploration of human nature and societal norms.