Frances (Fanny) Burney published four novels during her life, as well as extensive journals and letters exposing 18th-century life. Her novels include Evelina (1778), Cecilia (1782), Camilla (1796), and The Wanderer (1814). Published anonymously, Evelina brought her immediate fame. When she married the French exile, General Alexandre d’Arblay, in 1793, she spent over a decade in France during the Napoleonic Wars.
In this blog, I want to concentrate on the first book, Evelina: or, The History of a Young Lady’s Entrance into the World. In Burney’s world, class distinctions and strict social codes bound society with iron constraints. She used humor and satire to expose those flaws.
Seventeen-year-old Evelina Anville is a well-developed, multi-dimensional character. When she goes to London, she is innocent and naïve. Having been born illegitimate and raised by her guardian, Reverend Villars, she possesses no knowledge of the complexities and dangers of urban society. Inexperience causes her to find herself in amusing and heartfelt situations because of her many social faux pas and romantic entanglements. She accepts Lord Orville’s invitation to dance shortly after refusing Mr. Lovel. Lord Orville is understanding, in contrast to Mr. Lovel’s embarrassing commotion. Despite her mistakes, she grows more self-assured and perceptive each day. She remains kind, honest, and empathetic.
Because of her modest upbringing, she finds the arrogance and superficiality of high society offensive. She finds all the rules around courtship and marriage for women stifling. She values honesty, sincerity, and affection over the superficial behaviors she observes. Evelina’s relationship with Lord Orville, who is the ideal gentleman, provides a sharp contrast to her encounters with less honorable men.
In the words of Frances (Fanny) Burney's Evelina:
“Unused to the situations in which I find myself, and embarrassed by the slightest difficulties, I seldom discover, till too late, how I ought to act.”
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