Vanity Fair Guide, Meaning , Facts, Information and Description
The novel Vanity Fair: A Novel without a Hero by William Makepeace Thackeray satirizes middle-class English society of the early 19th century. As usually is the case with many 19th century novels, Vanity Fair was published serially in 1847 and 1848 before being committed to book form. It was the first work that Thackeray published under his own name, and was extremely well-received and popular at the time. Some editions had illustrations by Thackeray himself, unfortunately lost in most present editions.Thackeray made clear as the narrator and in his private correspondence that the book was meant not to be only entertaining, but instructive as well. Although being a very rich novel, some say that it possesses some structural problems. Thackeray sometimes lost track of the huge scope of his work, mixing up characters' names and minor plot details. Also, the number of allusions and references make it a rewarding, albeit tough read.
The novel has inspired several movie adaptations.
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2 Criticism 3 Films 4 External links 5 ISBN |
The story opens at Miss Pinkerton's Academy for young ladies, where we meet the protagonists Becky Sharp, an intelligent and cunning young woman determined to make her way in society, and Amelia Sedley, a good natured and kind rich girl. The book accompanies Becky and Amelia's life through happy times and sorrowful days between London, Brighton, the countryside and the Battle of Waterloo.
With a very few exceptions, none of the characters in the novel are good; they are all flawed in very human ways. Vanity Fair can be seen as an exposition of human flaws (vanity itself being chief among them) and paints a fairly bleak view of the human condition.
The term "vanity fair" originates from the allegorical novel The Pilgrim's Progress published in 1678 by John Bunyan, and from the fair held in the town of Vanity in that work.
Vanity Fair is also the name of a large-circulation American glamour magazine. See Vanity Fair magazine. It was also the name of a 1960s UK pop group recording on Page One Records. This is an Article on Vanity Fair. Page Contains Information, Facts Details or Explanation Guide About Vanity Fair Plot
Criticism
Films
The book has inspired a number of film adaptations, the first being a silent movie in 1911. Notable movie versions include:External links
ISBN