Chapter 4: The Green Silk Purse

This chapter
Characters 46
Places 13
Rebecca Sharp successfully ingratiates herself with the entire Sedley household, including the servants, while continuing her romantic pursuit of Joseph Sedley. A planned outing to Vauxhall is delayed by a thunderstorm, leading to an intimate evening at Russell Square where George Osborne and Amelia bond, and Joseph becomes deeply infatuated with Rebecca as she knits him a green silk purse. Joseph eventually resolves to propose to Rebecca during their rescheduled trip to the pleasure gardens.

On stage

Amelia Sedley She encourages the romance between Rebecca and Joseph, facilitates their time together, and spends a romantic evening with George Osborne.
Rebecca Sharp She ingratiates herself with the Sedley household and servants, uses her father's memory to garner sympathy, and successfully charms Joseph Sedley through music and conversation.
Mrs. Sedley She hosts Rebecca, discusses Joseph's vanity with her husband, and initially worries about Rebecca's intentions before being won over by her humility.
John Sedley He mercilessly teases Joseph about his weight and vanity, suggests inviting George Osborne to Vauxhall, and predicts Joseph will be 'hooked' by the first woman who tries.
Joseph Sedley He overcomes his shyness to spend time with Rebecca, buys her flowers, listens to her sing, and resolves to propose to her at Vauxhall.
Sambo He serves the family, laughs at Mr. Sedley's jokes about Joseph, and delivers flowers from Joseph to the ladies.
Mrs. Blenkinsop She is won over by Rebecca's feigned interest in household duties and listens to her singing.
George Osborne He visits the Sedleys, spends a romantic evening with Amelia during a thunderstorm, and teases Joseph about his interactions with Rebecca.

Mentioned

Mr. Sharp He is mentioned when Rebecca cries over a drawing he worked on.
Miss Pinkerton Mentioned regarding her claims about Mr. Sharp's drawing work.
Sophy Cutler Joseph compares Rebecca to her.
Lance Mentioned as Sophy Cutler's husband.
Quintin Mentioned in one of Joseph's stories.
Alderman Balls Mentioned as the host of a dinner party.
Dr. Swishtail Mentioned in a reminiscence about George's school days.
Lord Minto Mentioned in Joseph's stories about India.
Dr. Gollop Mentioned as visiting Joseph in the morning.
Napoleon Bonaparte Mentioned by Mr. Sedley in reference to his wine cellar.

Settings

Russell Square The Sedley family home in London.
Vauxhall A popular pleasure garden in London.
Boggley Wollah A location in India where Joseph Sedley was stationed.
Highbury Barn A place in London where the Sedleys go for a dinner party.
Covent Garden Market A market in London where Joseph buys flowers.
Main 9

Amelia Sedley

Also known as: Emmy, Mrs. George, Mrs. Osborne, the Widow Osborne, Mrs. George Osborne

A kind, gentle young lady and daughter of John and Mrs. Sedley. She is very attached to Rebecca Sharp and acts as a matchmaker between Rebecca and her brother Joseph. She is seventeen years old and is in a long-standing, family-sanctioned relationship with George Osborne.

John Sedley daughterMrs. Sedley daughterMiss Pinkerton pupilMiss Jemima Pinkerton pupil and friendBecky Sharp friend and schoolmate +8 more
Chapters 1, 2, 3, 4

Rebecca Sharp

Also known as: Becky Sharp, Miss Sharp, the person, Mrs. Rebecca, Mrs. Rawdon Crawley, Mrs. Crawley, The Nightingale, Madame de Raudon, Madame Rebecque, Lady Crawley

A nineteen-year-old orphan and former pupil at Miss Pinkerton's academy. She is highly intelligent, calculating, and a skilled mimic and musician. She has green eyes and a modest exterior that masks her ambitious nature. She is determined to find a husband and is currently targeting Joseph Sedley.

Amelia Sedley friend and schoolmateMiss Pinkerton pupil and antagonistMiss Jemima Pinkerton pupilMr. Sharp daughterJoseph Sedley potential romantic target +9 more
Chapters 1, 2, 3, 4

Sambo

A black servant of the Sedley family. He is delighted by Rebecca's polite treatment of him.

Amelia Sedley servantJohn Sedley servantMrs. Sedley servantRebecca Sharp admirer of her politeness
Chapters 1, 2, 3, 4

John Sedley

Amelia's father, a wealthy London merchant and stockbroker. He is a 'wag' who enjoys practical jokes and teasing his son Joseph. He is observant and cynical about Joseph's vanity.

Amelia Sedley fatherMrs. Sedley husbandJoseph Sedley fatherGeorge Osborne godfather and benefactorRebecca Sharp benefactor
Chapters 1, 2, 3, 4

Mrs. Sedley

Amelia's mother. She is kind-hearted and schemes for the successful marriage settlement of her children. Though briefly jealous of Rebecca's designs on Joseph, she ultimately supports the girl's presence.

Amelia Sedley motherJohn Sedley wifeJoseph Sedley motherRebecca Sharp hostessGeorge Osborne hostess
Chapters 1, 2, 3, 4

Miss Briggs

Also known as: Arabella, Miss B.

A student at the academy.

Amelia Sedley friendRebecca Sharp rival
Chapter 1

Joseph Sedley

Also known as: Jos, Waterloo Sedley, Jos, Waterloo Sedley

Amelia's brother, a 'nabob' in the East India Company's Civil Service. He is very stout, vain, and incredibly shy around women. He dresses flamboyantly and is a bon-vivant. He is currently infatuated with Rebecca Sharp.

Amelia Sedley brotherJohn Sedley sonRebecca Sharp target of her matrimonial schemesMrs. Sedley sonDr. Gollop patient +1 more
Chapters 2, 3, 4

Sir Pitt Crawley

Also known as: Mr. Crawley

A family in need of a governess, to whom Miss Pinkerton recommended Rebecca.

Rebecca Sharp future employerLady Crawley husband
Chapter 2

George Osborne

Also known as: George Sedley Osborne

A young man and godson of John Sedley. He has been a family friend for twenty-three years. He is an officer and is expected to marry Amelia Sedley once he 'gets his company.' He is confident and somewhat mocking of Joseph.

Amelia Sedley fiancé/romantic interestJohn Sedley godsonJoseph Sedley friend/former schoolmateRebecca Sharp acquaintanceMiss Swartz acquaintance and potential suitor (pushed by his father)
Chapter 4
Secondary 9

Miss Pinkerton

Also known as: The Semiramis of Hammersmith, Minerva

The majestic headmistress of the academy at Chiswick.

Miss Jemima Pinkerton sisterAmelia Sedley teacherRebecca Sharp teacher and antagonistDoctor Samuel Johnson friendMrs. Chapone correspondent +1 more
Chapters 1, 2, 4

Miss Jemima Pinkerton

Also known as: Miss Jemmy

The soft-hearted and nervous sister of Miss Pinkerton. She was kind to Rebecca, giving her gifts and food, though Rebecca mocked her in return by making a doll in her likeness.

Miss Pinkerton sisterAmelia Sedley teacher and friendRebecca Sharp teacher and benefactor
Chapters 1, 2

Miss Swartz

Also known as: Rhoda Swartz

A rich, woolly-haired mulatto student from St. Kitt's and a parlour-boarder at the academy. She is very emotional and prone to hysterics.

Amelia Sedley friendGeorge Osborne admirer and potential suitor
Chapter 1

Miss Saltire

A student at the academy and granddaughter of the Earl of Dexter. She is described as "high and mighty" and somewhat shabby.

Amelia Sedley friend
Chapter 1

Laura Martin

A young orphan student at the academy who is very attached to Amelia.

Amelia Sedley friend and 'child' figure
Chapter 1

The fat coachman

A fat man in a three-cornered hat and wig who drives the Sedley family coach.

John Sedley servant
Chapter 1

The dancing-master

A teacher who arrives for a lesson just as the girls are leaving.

Chapter 1

The young officer of the Life Guards

A young officer who notices Amelia as the carriage passes.

Chapter 2

Mrs. Blenkinsop

The housekeeper for the Sedley family. She is charmed by Rebecca's interest in her jam-making.

Mrs. Sedley employee/housekeeperRebecca Sharp admirerAmelia Sedley confidante and servantJohn Sedley servant
Chapter 4
Mentioned 28
Doctor Samuel Johnson He is frequently mentioned by Miss Pinkerton to bolster her own status.
Mrs. Chapone Mentioned as a distinguished correspondent of Miss Pinkerton.
Miss Birch Mentioned as one of the few occasions Miss Pinkerton wrote a personal letter.
Dr. Floss Mentioned as being sent for to treat Miss Swartz.
Jones Mentioned as a hypothetical neighbor whose ability to make ends meet is a source of wonder.
Mr. Sharp Described in a flashback regarding Rebecca's upbringing and how he secured her position at Chiswick.
Rebecca's mother Her supposed noble lineage is used by Rebecca to gain social standing with Pitt Crawley.
The Reverend Mr. Crisp Mentioned in a flashback as an example of Rebecca's early romantic entanglements.
Mrs. Crisp Mentioned as the person who ended the affair between her son and Rebecca.
Miss Swindle Mentioned as the original owner of the doll Rebecca used for mockery.
The Reverend Mr. Flowerdew Mentioned as the person Mr. Crisp served under.
Miss Crump Mentioned as a potential (but rejected) heroine for the book.
Miss Hopkins Mentioned as a potential (but rejected) heroine for the book.
The old gentleman of sixty-eight Used as an example of how school-day terrors can last a lifetime.
Dr. Raine Mentioned in the old gentleman's dream.
The tart-woman Mentioned as the person who intercepted/delivered the note in the Crisp affair.
Bonamy_of_our_service Mentioned by Joseph as someone he was supposed to dine with.
Mulligatawney Mentioned by Joseph in a story about his time in India.
Dr. Gollop Mentioned as the person Joseph tells his stories to.
Sophy Cutler Mentioned in Joseph's anecdote about his past romantic escapes.
Cutler of the Artillery Mentioned in Joseph's anecdote.
Lance Mentioned as Sophy Cutler's husband.
Quintin Mentioned in one of Joseph's stories.
Brummel_the_buck Mentioned as a standard of fashion that Joseph compares himself to.
Alderman Balls Mentioned as the host of a dinner party.
Dr. Swishtail Appears in flashbacks as the head of the school where the fight takes place.
Lord Minto Mentioned in Joseph's stories about India.
Napoleon Bonaparte His proclamations and the threat of his advancing army dominate the rumors and fears in Brussels.
Main 3

Miss Pinkerton's Academy

A stately old brick house with a great iron gate and a brass plate, located on Chiswick Mall. It serves as an academy for young ladies.

  • Amelia Sedley and Becky Sharp prepare to leave the school.
  • Miss Pinkerton delivers a formal farewell to Amelia.
  • Becky Sharp defies Miss Pinkerton in the drawing-room.
  • The students and servants gather in the hall for a tearful goodbye.
Chapter 1

Russell Square

The Sedley family home in London.

  • Mentioned in Miss Pinkerton's letter as Becky's destination.
  • The carriage arrives here at the end of the chapter, and Amelia welcomes Rebecca into her home.
  • Rebecca meets Joseph Sedley for the first time.
  • The family and Rebecca have a dinner featuring Indian curry and chilis.
  • Rebecca sings at the piano while Joseph sneaks out to the theater.
  • Rebecca charms the family and servants.
  • Joseph and George visit.
  • A thunderstorm keeps the young people at home while the parents go out to dinner.
  • Rebecca and Joseph share a moment over a green silk purse.
  • The characters gather for dinner before going to Vauxhall.
  • Captain Dobbin arrives and meets the adult Amelia for the first time.
  • The party prepares for Vauxhall.
  • Amelia and Rebecca wait for Joseph's return.
  • Rebecca receives Joseph's rejection letter and leaves the house.
  • Amelia spends her time here dreaming of George and writing him letters.
  • Captain Dobbin visits and finds Amelia alone and sad.
  • Amelia dines with the Osborne family in a tense and gloomy atmosphere.
  • Mr. Osborne tells George he will not allow the marriage unless Amelia's dowry is paid.
  • Miss Crawley and Rebecca visit Amelia here in her carriage.
  • Rebecca uses a visit here as an alibi for her secret wedding.
  • John Sedley reveals the family's ruin to his wife here.
  • The house is seized and the furniture sold.
  • Mentioned as the home of the 'black-browed old tyrant' John Osborne.
  • Mr. Osborne flatters Miss Swartz and bribes Mrs. Haggistoun.
  • Miss Swartz discovers Amelia's name on a music book.
  • George and his father have a violent confrontation over dinner regarding Amelia and Miss Swartz.
  • Captain Dobbin visits the house to speak with Jane Osborne and reveal the secret of George's marriage.
  • The family shares a silent, gloomy dinner after the news of the marriage.
  • Mr. Osborne retires to his study to burn his will and alter the family Bible.
  • Mr. Osborne receives George's final letter here.
  • The family lives in seclusion following the news of Waterloo.
  • Mr. Osborne and Jane live here in silence and tension.
  • Jane Osborne meets her nephew Georgy here (or nearby) and later tells her father about him.
  • Mr. Osborne meditates on his grandson and sends a proposal for adoption.
  • Maria Bullock visits her father to ask for money.
  • Mr. Osborne receives Amelia's letter and triumphs over her surrender.
  • George's old room is reopened and prepared for his son.
  • Georgy arrives to live with his grandfather.
  • Georgy establishes himself as the heir and master of the house.
  • Mr. Osborne hosts dinners where Georgy's precocious behavior is displayed.
  • Georgy fights Master Toffy in the square.
  • Mr. Osborne dies of a fit here.
  • Amelia and Georgy visit the empty house before it is closed up.
Chapters 1, 2, 3, 4

Boggley Wollah

A location in India where Joseph Sedley was stationed.

  • Described as the place where Joseph lived in isolation for eight years.
  • Mentioned in Joseph's stories and reminiscences.
Chapters 3, 4
Secondary 10

Chiswick Mall

The street in London where Miss Pinkerton's academy is located.

Chiswick

The location of Miss Pinkerton's academy for young ladies.

Soho

A district in London where Rebecca's father lived and where she grew up among artists.

Kensington turnpike

A turnpike passed by the carriage on the way to London.

Ramgunge

A location in India where a magistrate is stationed.

Billingsgate

A famous fish market in London.

Piazza Coffee-House_in_Covent_Garden

A coffee-house in London where Joseph often dines alone.

Vauxhall

A popular pleasure garden in London.

Highbury Barn

A place in London where the Sedleys go for a dinner party.

Covent Garden Market

A market in London where Joseph buys flowers.

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