Chapter 5: Dobbin of Ours

This chapter
Characters 56
Places 17
The chapter details the school history of William Dobbin, a grocer's son who was bullied at Dr. Swishtail's until he defeated the school champion, Reginald Cuff, in a boxing match to protect young George Osborne. Years later, Dobbin returns from military service in the West Indies as a Captain and joins the Sedley family for dinner. The group, including the infatuated Joseph Sedley and the observant Rebecca Sharp, prepares for a night out at Vauxhall Gardens.

On stage

William Dobbin The chapter recounts his school days where he defeated the school bully to defend George Osborne, and his return to London as a Captain to join the Sedleys for a party.
Reginald Cuff He bullies little George Osborne, leading to a legendary thirteen-round boxing match with Dobbin which he ultimately loses.
Joseph Sedley He dines with the family, tells stories of India, and drinks a great deal of claret to 'prime' himself for the evening.
Rebecca Sharp She observes the dynamics between George and Amelia and prepares for the trip to Vauxhall.
Amelia Sedley She welcomes Dobbin and prepares for the outing to Vauxhall, feeling anxious when the men talk of war.
George Osborne The chapter reveals how he was bullied as a child and how Dobbin became his champion; in the present, he invites Dobbin to join the Sedley party.
Mrs. Sedley She hosts the dinner and teases George about his 'yellow' face.
John Sedley He dines with the group before they head to Vauxhall.

Mentioned

Sir William Dobbin Mentioned in flashbacks as the grocer whose trade caused his son shame, and later as a wealthy knighted Alderman.
Mrs. Dobbin Mentioned as the recipient of a laboriously written letter from William during his school days.
Dr. Swishtail Appears in flashbacks as the head of the school where the fight takes place.
Mr. Rudge Mentioned on the side of the grocery cart that brought shame to young Dobbin.
Mrs. Flamingo Mentioned in an anecdote about Dobbin's clumsiness.
The Misses Dobbin Mentioned disparagingly by Mrs. Sedley.
Mr. Kean Mentioned to illustrate Cuff's sophistication.
Mr. Kemble Mentioned to illustrate Cuff's sophistication.
Lord Wellington Mentioned in dinner conversation about the war.

Settings

Dr. Swishtail's Academy A famous school in Richmond where George Osborne and William Dobbin were educated.
Russell Square The location of the Sedley family home where the dinner party takes place.
Vauxhall Gardens A popular public garden and place of entertainment in London.
Thames Street The location of the Dobbin & Rudge grocery shop.
The Bedford A hotel or coffee house where George Osborne met Dobbin.
Main 10

Amelia Sedley

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

The kind and gentle daughter of the Sedleys. She is deeply in love with George Osborne and is moved by the arrival of his friend Dobbin.

John Sedley daughterMrs. Sedley daughterMiss Pinkerton pupilMiss Jemima Pinkerton pupil and friendBecky Sharp friend and schoolmate +9 more
Chapters 1, 2, 3, 4, 5

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 sharp-eyed and calculating young woman currently staying with the Sedleys. She is observant of George Osborne's vanity and continues to charm Joseph Sedley.

Amelia Sedley friend and schoolmateMiss Pinkerton pupil and antagonistMiss Jemima Pinkerton pupilMr. Sharp daughterJoseph Sedley potential romantic target +10 more
Chapters 1, 2, 3, 4, 5

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 merchant. He was a corporal in the City Light Horse under Sir William Dobbin.

Amelia Sedley fatherMrs. Sedley husbandJoseph Sedley fatherGeorge Osborne godfather and benefactorSir William Dobbin subordinate in the City Light Horse +2 more
Chapters 1, 2, 3, 4, 5

Mrs. Sedley

Amelia's mother, who is hosting the dinner party. She remembers Dobbin as a 'gawky' youth who once broke her punch-bowl.

Amelia Sedley motherJohn Sedley wifeJoseph Sedley motherRebecca Sharp hostessWilliam Dobbin hostess and acquaintance +1 more
Chapters 1, 2, 3, 4, 5

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 stout and vain official from India. He continues to be infatuated with Rebecca Sharp and drinks heavily to build up his courage.

Amelia Sedley brotherJohn Sedley sonRebecca Sharp target of her matrimonial schemesMrs. Sedley sonDr. Gollop patient +2 more
Chapters 2, 3, 4, 5

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 popular and somewhat vain young man, godson of John Sedley. As a boy, he was a 'little chap' at Dr. Swishtail's who was protected by Dobbin. As an adult, he is an officer in the army, proud of his appearance, and somewhat patronizing toward his loyal friend Dobbin.

Amelia Sedley fiancé/romantic interestJohn Sedley godsonJoseph Sedley friend/former schoolmateRebecca Sharp acquaintanceWilliam Dobbin friend and 'master' (in Dobbin's eyes) +2 more
Chapters 4, 5

William Dobbin

Also known as: William Dobbin, Figs, Heigh-ho Dobbin, Gee-ho Dobbin, Captain William Dobbin, Old Figs, William Dobbin, Figs, Heigh-ho Dobbin, Gee-ho Dobbin, Captain William Dobbin, Old Figs, Major Dobbin, Major Sugarplums, William Dobbin, Major Sugarplums, Colonel Dobbin

The son of a London grocer, Dobbin was a clumsy, shy, and dull-looking boy at Dr. Swishtail’s academy, where he was bullied for his father's trade. Despite his awkwardness and struggle with Latin, he proved to be excellent at mathematics and possessed a deeply generous, brave, and loyal soul. He became a captain in the army, serving in the West Indies (where he survived yellow fever) and Canada. He is tall, ungainly, with large hands, feet, and ears, and remains devotedly attached to George Osborne.

George Osborne protector and devoted friendReginald Cuff school rival and later friendAmelia Sedley admirerJohn Sedley guestMrs. Sedley guest +3 more
Chapter 5
Secondary 13

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

Reginald Cuff

Also known as: The Cock of the School

The aristocratic and accomplished bully of Dr. Swishtail’s academy. He was wealthy, skilled in Latin and French, and ruled the school until he was defeated in a fair fight by William Dobbin. Despite his bullying, he showed magnanimity by taking the blame for the fight to save Dobbin from a flogging.

William Dobbin school rival and later friend/tutorGeorge Osborne bully to victim
Chapter 5

Sir William Dobbin

Also known as: Alderman Dobbin

William Dobbin's father. Originally a grocer in Thames Street, he became a wealthy Alderman, a Colonel of the City Light Horse, and was eventually knighted.

William Dobbin fatherJohn Sedley business acquaintance/rival in the City Light Horse
Chapter 5

The Misses Dobbin

The daughters of Sir William Dobbin, described by Mrs. Sedley as ungraceful.

William Dobbin sistersSir William Dobbin daughtersAmelia Sedley acquaintances
Chapter 5

Lord Wellington

Also known as: The Duke of Wellington

The British commander in the Napoleonic Wars.

Chapter 5
Mentioned 33
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.
Mrs. Dobbin Mentioned as the recipient of a laboriously written letter from William during his school days.
Mr. Rudge Mentioned on the side of the grocery cart that brought shame to young Dobbin.
Mrs. Flamingo Mentioned in an anecdote about Dobbin's clumsiness.
Mr. Kean George goes to the theatre to see him perform as Shylock.
Mr. Kemble Mentioned to illustrate Cuff's sophistication.
Main 5

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 location of the Sedley family home where the dinner party takes place.

  • 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, 5

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

Dr. Swishtail's Academy

A famous school in Richmond where George Osborne and William Dobbin were educated.

  • The legendary fight between Cuff and Dobbin takes place here.
  • Dobbin wins a French prize-book and gains the respect of his peers.
Chapter 5

Vauxhall Gardens

A popular public garden and place of entertainment in London.

  • The party prepares to leave for an evening of pleasure here.
  • The two couples and Dobbin visit the gardens.
  • Joseph gets drunk on rack punch.
  • Joseph makes a public scene and nearly proposes to Rebecca.
Chapter 5
Secondary 12

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.

Thames Street

The location of the Dobbin & Rudge grocery shop.

The Bedford

A hotel or coffee house where George Osborne met Dobbin.

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