Humanity Through Thackeray's Lights

William Makepeace Thackeray s narrative lenses are
analyzed in three novels: Vanity Fair, Pendennis and
The Newcomes. Vanity Fair exhibits a panorama of the
world through the vision of two women who develop
their own strategies for survival against their fated
circumstances. Pendennis is a journey of an
individual. The narrative lenses focus on a young
boy s quest for the definition of a gentleman.
Through the defined philosophies of a handful of men
in the novel, Thackeray reveals his personal
definition of a gentleman. The narrative lenses
widen again in The Newcomes to incorporate a family
who are part of an emerging middle-class. Thackeray
shows us a slice of society through a domestic drama
while highlighting the plight of the Victorian woman.
Through the world in Vanity Fair, an individual in
Pendennis and a family in The Newcomes, Thackeray
displays his views on man, woman and the world. In
dissecting humanity, Thackeray also reveals himself,
his gentleness, sadness, despair and love for his
fellow human-being.

Autorentext

Khairunessa Dossani, M.A.: Acquired her degree in English
Literature from San Francisco State University. Currently
teaches Developmental English at De Anza College, Cupertino in
California.

Klappentext

William Makepeace Thackeray's narrative lenses are
analyzed in three novels: Vanity Fair, Pendennis and
The Newcomes. Vanity Fair exhibits a panorama of the
world through the vision of two women who develop
their own strategies for survival against their fated
circumstances. Pendennis is a journey of an
individual. The narrative lenses focus on a young
boy's quest for the definition of a "gentleman."
Through the defined philosophies of a handful of men
in the novel, Thackeray reveals his personal
definition of a "gentleman." The narrative lenses
widen again in The Newcomes to incorporate a family
who are part of an emerging middle-class. Thackeray
shows us a slice of society through a domestic drama
while highlighting the plight of the Victorian woman.
Through the world in Vanity Fair, an individual in
Pendennis and a family in The Newcomes, Thackeray
displays his views on man, woman and the world. In
dissecting humanity, Thackeray also reveals himself,
his gentleness, sadness, despair and love for his
fellow human-being.