79 pages • 2 hours read
Vanity Fair: A Novel Without a Hero
A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.
Book Brief
867
Novel • Fiction
Europe • 1810s
1847
Adult
18+ years
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.
Bittersweet
Contemplative
Gritty
Humorous
Reviews & Readership
134,517 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
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.
134,517 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
William Dobbin
William Dobbin
A morally upright and honest man, whose loyalty and dedication to his friends contrast with the decadence of the society around him.
Amelia Sedley
Amelia Sedley
A gentle and compliant young woman born into wealth, whose loyalty and unassuming nature define her relationships and interactions with society.
George Osborne
George Osborne
A privileged young man who indulges in the freedoms afforded by his status, often shirking responsibilities and commitments.
867
Novel • Fiction
Europe • 1810s
1847
Adult
18+ years
Continue your reading experience
Subscribe now to unlock the rest of this Study Guide plus our full library, which features expert-written summaries and analyses of 8,000+ additional titles.