Summary
When Escape Plans Collide with Unwanted Proposals
Evelina, Or, the History of a Young Lady's Entrance into the World by Fanny Burney
Evelina finally sees a way out of her London nightmare, but not before one last day of chaos tests her resolve. Forced to visit the Branghtons to deliver Madame Duval's dinner invitation, she endures young Branghton's crude hints about her rejection of him at the Hampstead ball. The visit becomes even more uncomfortable when she tries to avoid his harassment by talking to M. Du Bois, who completely misreads her politeness as romantic interest. The cruel irony hits when she returns home to discover that Lord Orville had called and left his card—missing him by mere minutes after spending the day with people she despises. Her frustration peaks when M. Du Bois follows her upstairs and declares his feelings just as Madame Duval walks in. The older woman explodes in rage, revealing she had romantic designs on Du Bois herself. Feeling betrayed and humiliated, Madame Duval threatens to abandon Evelina unless she agrees to marry young Branghton—the one demand that finally gives Evelina the courage to stand firm and refuse. This chapter shows how sometimes our worst moments clarify what we truly value. Evelina's willingness to risk losing Madame Duval's support rather than accept an unwanted marriage reveals her growing backbone. The missed encounter with Lord Orville stings precisely because it represents the respectful connection she craves, making the contrast with her current situation even starker.
Coming Up in Chapter 56
With Madame Duval's ultimatum hanging over her and bridges burning behind her, Evelina must navigate the final confrontations before her escape from London. Will she find a way to leave with her dignity intact?
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An excerpt from the original text.(~500 words)
LETTER LV. EVELINA IN CONTINUATION. July 4th. YOU may now, my dear Sir, send Mrs. Clinton for your Evelina with as much speed as she can conveniently make the journey, for no further opposition will be made to her leaving this town: happy had it perhaps been for her had she never entered it! This morning Madame Duval desired me to go to Snow-Hill, with an invitation to the Branghtons and Mr. Smith to spend the evening with her; and she desired M. Du Bois, who breakfasted with us, to accompany me. I was very unwilling to obey her, as I neither wished to walk with M. Du Bois, nor yet to meet young Branghton. And, indeed, another, a yet more powerful reason, added to my reluctance;-for I thought it possible that Lord Orville might send some answer, or perhaps might call, during my absence; however, I did not dare dispute her commands. Poor M. Du Bois spoke not a word during our walk, which was, I believe, equally unpleasant to us both. We found all the family assembled in the shop. Mr. Smith, the moment he perceived me, addressed himself to Miss Branghton, whom he entertained with all the gallantry in his power. I rejoice to find that my conduct at the Hampstead ball has had so good an effect. But young Branghton was extremely troublesome; he repeatedly laughed in my face, and looked so impertinently significant, that I was obliged to give up my reserve to M. Du Bois, and enter into conversation with him merely to avoid such boldness. "Miss," said Mr. Branghton, "I'm sorry to hear from my son that you wasn't pleased with what we did about that Lord Orville: but I should like to know what it was you found fault with, for we did all for the best." "Goodness!" cried the son, "why, if you'd seen Miss, you'd have been surprised-she went out of the room quite in a huff, like-" "It is too late, now," said I, "to reason upon this subject; but, for the future, I must take the liberty to request, that my name may never be made use of without my knowledge. May I tell Madame Duval that you will do her the favour to accept her invitation?" "As to me, Ma'am," said Mr. Smith, "I am much obliged to the old lady, but I have no mind to be taken in by her again; you'll excuse me, Ma'am." All the rest promised to come, and I then took leave; but, as I left the shop, I heard Mr. Branghton say, "Take courage, Tom, she's only coy." And, before I had walked ten yards, the youth followed. I was so much offended that I would not look at him, but began to converse with M. Du Bois, who was now more lively than I had ever before seen him; for, most unfortunately, he misinterpreted the reason of my attention to him. The first intelligence I received when I came...
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Intelligence Amplifier™ Analysis
The Road of Forced Choices - When Bad Options Reveal Your True Values
Forced choices between bad options often reveal what you truly value and aren't as final as they appear.
Why This Matters
Connect literature to life
This chapter teaches how to identify when someone uses ultimatums to mask their own powerlessness and force you into compromising your values.
Practice This Today
This week, notice when someone presents you with only two options—often there's a third path they don't want you to see.
Now let's explore the literary elements.
Terms to Know
Gallantry
Elaborate, showy attention paid to women, especially through flowery compliments and exaggerated manners. In the 18th century, this was considered proper courtship behavior, though it could be superficial or manipulative.
Modern Usage:
We see this in guys who lay on the charm thick with pickup lines and grand gestures, often more interested in the performance than genuine connection.
Reserve
The practice of keeping emotional distance and maintaining formal politeness, especially for young women. Breaking reserve meant showing too much familiarity or emotion in public.
Modern Usage:
Today we call this 'keeping your guard up' or maintaining professional boundaries to avoid sending the wrong message.
Impertinently significant
Acting in a way that's both rude and full of meaning - making crude hints or gestures that cross social boundaries. Young Branghton is essentially sexually harassing Evelina through looks and behavior.
Modern Usage:
This is like a coworker making inappropriate comments or gestures after you've rejected their advances - harassment disguised as 'joking around.'
Assemblage
A gathering of people, particularly in a social or business setting. The Branghtons being 'assembled in the shop' shows how their living and working spaces overlap.
Modern Usage:
We see this in family businesses where everyone hangs out at the workplace, or in small towns where the local store becomes a social hub.
Commands
Orders given by someone in authority that cannot be refused without serious consequences. Madame Duval's 'commands' show the power older relatives held over young women.
Modern Usage:
This appears today when family members use guilt, money, or housing as leverage to control adult children's choices and relationships.
Leaving a card
The formal way of indicating you had called on someone when they weren't home. Lord Orville's card shows he made the effort to visit properly and respectfully.
Modern Usage:
Today this is like leaving a thoughtful voicemail or text when someone doesn't answer - it shows you made a genuine attempt to connect.
Characters in This Chapter
Evelina
Protagonist
Forced into an uncomfortable social situation, she tries to navigate between avoiding harassment and maintaining politeness. Her growing frustration finally gives her the courage to refuse Madame Duval's demand that she marry young Branghton.
Modern Equivalent:
The young woman learning to set boundaries with toxic family members and unwanted male attention
Madame Duval
Antagonistic guardian
Uses her authority over Evelina to force unwanted social visits, then explodes in jealous rage when she discovers M. Du Bois has feelings for Evelina instead of her. Threatens to abandon Evelina unless she accepts an unwanted marriage.
Modern Equivalent:
The controlling relative who uses financial support as a weapon and gets jealous when others show interest in family members
Young Branghton
Persistent harasser
Continues to make crude hints and laugh inappropriately at Evelina after she rejected his advances at the ball. His behavior forces her to seek refuge in conversation with others.
Modern Equivalent:
The guy who won't take no for an answer and makes every interaction uncomfortable with sexual innuendo
M. Du Bois
Misguided suitor
Misinterprets Evelina's polite conversation as romantic interest and declares his feelings at the worst possible moment. His pursuit creates additional drama between Evelina and Madame Duval.
Modern Equivalent:
The older man who mistakes basic politeness for romantic signals and creates workplace or family drama
Lord Orville
Absent ideal
Though not physically present, his calling card represents the respectful, genuine connection Evelina desires. Missing his visit while dealing with unwanted attention highlights her frustrating situation.
Modern Equivalent:
The person you actually want to hear from while you're stuck dealing with people you can't stand
Mr. Smith
Shallow flirt
Immediately shifts his attention to Miss Branghton when he sees Evelina, showing his interest was never serious. His behavior demonstrates the superficial nature of his 'gallantry.'
Modern Equivalent:
The guy who moves on to the next woman the moment he faces any rejection
Key Quotes & Analysis
". YOU may now, my dear Sir, send Mrs. Clinton for your Evelina with as much speed as she can conveniently make the journey, for no further opposition will be made to her leaving this town: happy had it perhaps been for h"
Context: Opening her letter to her guardian, finally seeing a way out of London
This formal language masks Evelina's desperation to escape. She's learned to navigate around Madame Duval's authority by framing her departure as inevitable rather than requested.
In Today's Words:
You can come get me now - nobody's going to stop me from leaving this mess behind.
"wn: happy had it perhaps been for her had she never entered it! This"
Context: Reflecting on her experience in London
This bitter reflection shows how thoroughly her London experience has disappointed her expectations. The formal tone emphasizes her emotional distance from the trauma.
In Today's Words:
I wish I'd never come to this place - it's been nothing but trouble.
"I did not dare dispute her commands"
Context: Explaining why she had to visit the Branghtons despite not wanting to
This reveals the power dynamic that traps young women - even when they know a situation will be harmful, they lack the authority to refuse. The word 'commands' emphasizes the military-like control.
In Today's Words:
I couldn't say no to her - she holds all the power here.
"s power. I rejoice to find that my conduct at the Hampstead ball has had so good an effect. But y"
Context: Observing that Mr. Smith has moved his attention to Miss Branghton
Evelina's relief at being left alone reveals how exhausting it is to constantly manage unwanted male attention. Her 'rejoicing' shows how precious peace from harassment truly is.
In Today's Words:
Thank God he finally got the hint and is bothering someone else now.
Thematic Threads
Personal Boundaries
In This Chapter
Evelina finally finds the strength to refuse an unwanted marriage despite threats
Development
Evolved from passive endurance to active resistance
In Your Life:
You might recognize this when you finally say no to demands that violate your core values.
Class Manipulation
In This Chapter
Madame Duval uses financial dependency to force Evelina into an unsuitable match
Development
Consistent theme of economic pressure determining life choices
In Your Life:
You see this when family or employers use money as leverage to control your decisions.
Misread Signals
In This Chapter
M. Du Bois interprets Evelina's politeness as romantic interest
Development
Recurring pattern of men misunderstanding women's basic courtesy
In Your Life:
You might experience this when being professionally friendly gets misinterpreted as personal interest.
Timing and Opportunity
In This Chapter
Evelina misses Lord Orville's visit by minutes while trapped with the Branghtons
Development
Continued theme of social obligations preventing better connections
In Your Life:
You recognize this when obligations to difficult people cost you chances with supportive ones.
Jealousy and Control
In This Chapter
Madame Duval's rage stems from her own romantic disappointment with M. Du Bois
Development
Introduction of how personal rejection can fuel controlling behavior
In Your Life:
You see this when someone takes out their disappointment by trying to limit your choices.
You now have the context. Time to form your own thoughts.
Discussion Questions
- 1
What ultimatum does Madame Duval give Evelina, and why does this finally push Evelina to stand firm?
analysis • surface - 2
Why does Madame Duval's humiliation over M. Du Bois lead her to threaten Evelina? What does this reveal about how people handle their own disappointments?
analysis • medium - 3
Where do you see this pattern of 'forced choices' in modern workplaces, families, or relationships? How do people use ultimatums to control others?
application • medium - 4
When someone gives you an ultimatum that feels wrong, how can you tell if it's a real boundary or manipulation? What questions should you ask yourself?
application • deep - 5
What does Evelina's choice teach us about the relationship between short-term security and long-term self-respect? When is it worth risking immediate safety for your values?
reflection • deep
Critical Thinking Exercise
Map Your Own Pressure Points
Think of a time when someone tried to force you into a choice you didn't want to make—at work, in your family, or in a relationship. Write down what they threatened, what they wanted you to do, and what was really driving their behavior. Then identify what you valued most in that situation and whether you compromised it.
Consider:
- •People often make threats when they feel powerless in their own lives
- •Ultimatums usually reveal more about the person giving them than the situation itself
- •The values you compromise under pressure become harder to defend later
Journaling Prompt
Write about a time when standing firm against pressure led to a better outcome than you expected, or when giving in to an ultimatum taught you something important about your own boundaries.
Coming Up Next...
Chapter 56: The Guardian's Urgent Summons
As the story unfolds, you'll explore parental love can override social obligations and expectations, while uncovering the way separation anxiety affects relationships across generations. These lessons connect the classic to contemporary challenges we all face.
