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Evelina's Letters To Mr. Villars

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The enthusiasm in Evelina’s early letters to Mr. Villars is ironic considering many of the experiences she has both in London and Bristol are difficult and unpleasant. Often in these situations, she’s in the role of the captive victim. Throughout Evelina, the titular character is a victim of physical, social, and mental constrained. During her time in London, Evelina is not only trapped by social manners of politeness but is also the victim of physical restraint. Innocent places like a garden, an opera house, or a carriage turn into a prison that holds Evelina captive. When she’s separated from her protectors or companions, she runs the risk of being subjected to assault. Her walk with Miss Branghtons down the alley at Vauxhall ends with her …show more content…

She’s constantly anxious about how others perceive her, writing to Mr. Villars that she fears Lord Orville will find her “bold or impertinent” (pg.73). Her anxiety about her actions is best summarized by writing, “my intentions are never willfully blameable, yet I err perpetually!” (pg. 306) She can’t speak her mind as often as she wants to in fear of being perceived as rude. When asked about what she thought of the Cox Museum Evelina says “It is a very fine, and very ingenious… and yet- I don’t know how it is, - but I seem to miss something” to Sir Clement instead of outright saying her lack of enthusiasm for the museum. The response she gave assures Sir Clement that she has good taste as he replies “I was certain you taste was too well formed, to be pleased at the expence of your understanding. Her reactions and tastes are judged by other members of her company. The people she surrounds herself with are projections of her anxieties. Madame Duval, Captain Mirvan, the Branghtons and others are all the things Evelina is afraid to be. They are vulgar. They are ignorant of social rules. They are disrespectful. Incident after incident make it appear that Evelina is guilty of the same indecencies and therefore another member of the comic

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