Vanity Fair by Ella Wheeler Wilcox
The novel revolves around the life of Becky Sharp, a clever and cunning woman who rises from poverty to wealth and fame through her wit, beauty, and manipulation of those around her. Born to a poor artist, Becky is determined to escape her humble beginnings and make a name for herself in high society. She uses her charms to manipulate men, including the wealthy and naive Rawdon Crawley, whom she marries, and the wealthy and influential Marquis of Steyne, who becomes her lover. Throughout the novel, Becky's vanity and selfishness lead her to commit various morally reprehensible acts, causing harm to those around her. Meanwhile, the novel also explores the lives of other characters, including Amelia Sedley, a naive and innocent woman who is befriended by Becky, and William Dobbin, a kind and honest man who loves Amelia.
By Ella Wheeler Wilcox · First published 1895 · Genre: Poetry, Satire, Social Commentary · 453 words
First lines
In Vanity Fair, as we bow and smile, As we talk of the opera after the weather, As we chat of fashion and fad and style, We know we are playing a part together. You know that the mirth she wears, she borrows; She knows you laugh but to hide your sorrows; We know that under the silks and laces, And back of beautiful, beaming faces, Lie secret trouble and grim despair, In Vanity Fair.
What this Textopian page supports
Vanity Fair is listed on Textopian as a poem by Ella Wheeler Wilcox, dated 1895 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Poem
- Author: Ella Wheeler Wilcox
- Date: 1895 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Satire, Social Commentary, Philosophical
- Length: 453 words
- Structure: 1 section, 4 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Difficult (10th-12th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for Vanity Fair by Ella Wheeler Wilcox
- Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
- Readability and classroom-planning context
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Discussion starters
- What should a reader notice first when entering Vanity Fair?
- How does this poem by Ella Wheeler Wilcox fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Poetry first become important in the reading?
Similar titles
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- A Married Coquette by Ella Wheeler Wilcox
- Mrs Seymour Fentolin by Oliver Herford
- Two Renegades by O. Henry
- Van Bibber As Best Man by Richard Harding Davis
- The Social Triangle by O. Henry
Genres
- Poetry — The work is structured in verse and employs poetic devices such as rhyme and meter.
- Satire — The text critiques societal norms and behaviors, particularly those related to vanity and superficiality.
- Social Commentary — The themes address the superficial nature of social interactions and the hidden struggles behind appearances.
- Philosophical — The work explores existential themes such as the futility of ambition and the emptiness of societal success.
Tags
Satire · Social Commentary · Romance · Humor · Wit · Irony · Morality Tale · Coming of Age · Female Protagonist · Society · Class · Status