Vanity Fair: A Novel Without a Hero

The narrator introduces his story through the framing device of a puppet show. How does this condition the audience for the narrative which follows? What additional theatrical frame could be used to view the story, and would it be as successful?

Explore the differences and similarities between Becky’s and Amelia’s backgrounds and how this contrast forms their characters. Further, how do they overlap, even indirectly? In what way does extreme behavior, whichever direction is leans in, create similarity between the two women?

George and Dobbin are friends from a young age, but they, like Becky and Amelia, appear as opposites. Compare and contrast George and Dobbin with Becky and Amelia. What similarities and differences do you find in these pairs of friends?