Vanity Fair

Vanity Fair is William Makepeace Thackeray’s brilliant satirical masterpiece, a sweeping portrait of ambition, greed, and social climbing in 19th-century England. At the heart of the novel is the unforgettable Becky Sharp—a witty, bold, and ruthless young woman determined to rise above her modest origins. Through her clever manipulations, shifting loyalties, and relentless pursuit of status, Thackeray exposes the hypocrisies of a society obsessed with wealth and appearance. The novel’s sharp wit, richly drawn characters, and fast-moving plot make it one of the most enduring works of English literature.

More than a social satire, Vanity Fair is a study of human nature itself. Thackeray explores themes of morality, ambition, love, and the façade of respectability with remarkable insight and humor. The novel contrasts Becky’s daring spirit with the gentle innocence of her friend Amelia Sedley, creating a compelling commentary on virtue and vice. With its vivid storytelling and timeless relevance, Vanity Fair remains a defining classic that continues to captivate readers more than 175 years after its publication.