#rebecca sharp

[fridaspuz]

[hyodyton]

I'm convinced that Becky is a psychopath

[dcdreamblog]

i Have to Aks and This May be a bad One

THE F—K WAS GOING ON WITH ZANDIA IN THE 2000 OLMPICS?!?!???.

AND WHY DID THEY SENT SUPERVILLAINS TO THE GAMES?!?!?!? THE F@#K

I JUST NEED TO KNOW

So for the longest time (and extending somewhat into the now) the European island nation of Zandia has been something of a pariah state for a couple of reasons. 1 being that its government and laws were under the very strict control of the violent "Church of Blood" well into the modern day. The second being that, because of the "rule of the strongest" principle espoused in the Church of Blood's ideology, the state has functionally been an anarcho-state since the beginning of last century if not before. And not the nice kind with communes and mutual aid. No I mean the mad max kind where crime lords and psychopaths and the Church of Blood's own murderous zealots had their lay of the land simply because no one could stop them individually. With that in mind Zandia has always towed the propaganda line that "metahumanism is not a crime". As some sort of progressive whataboutism when in reality what they MEAN is that the nation has been a haven for supercriminals the world over. Zandia has no real police force and because a supervillain is always more than able to overpower the Church of Blood's executioners then by the Church of Blood's own teachings they have every right to do as they please inside the nation's borders. (No, I do not know how this nation actually functions day to day save that it's propped up almost entirely by the sanitized international Church of Blood scamming suckers out of their life savings for their alpha male, return to tradition, prosperity gospel BS) With that in mind, the Zandian Olympic team decided, on Air Bud logic one assumes, the there's no actual rule AGAINST metahuman super criminals being entered into the Olympics that they could just use that loophole to violent rig the games in their favor. They even succeeded in breaking the arm of US Archery contestant Tina Thomas the night before the opening ceremony, though they still lost to her teammate Cissie King Jones who took home the gold. The rest of the team was disqualified when it turns out that while there is no rule about entering metahumans or criminals into the games, there ARE rules about flagrantly threatening and assaulting opponents. The entire team was flattened by Young Justice and the Justice League and either scattered to show up later or got carted off to international prison someplace.

[editfandom]

VANITY FAIR, S01E04 | Olivia Cooke as Becky Sharp

[lannistertwinz]

The Parallel Romantic Relationships of Becky Sharp, Scarlett O' Hara and Cersei Lannister

Through my readings of Vanity Fair, Gone with the Wind, and A Song of Ice and Fire, I’ve noticed striking similarities between the relationships of Becky/Rawdon, Scarlett/Rhett, and Cersei/Jaime:

Femme Fatales

In each pairing, the women embody the archetype of the femme fatale, wielding their charm, beauty, and performative femininity to manipulate their primary love interests — though Scarlett is notably less successful in bending Rhett to her will — as well as other secondary male characters. Becky seduces and maneuvers around Jos Sedley, the members of the Pitt family, and Lord Steyne. Scarlett exerts influence over her first two husbands, Charles Hamilton and Frank Kennedy. Cersei exploits Lancel Lannister and Osney Kettleblack.

Unwavering Devotion

In each pairing, the men are deeply enamored. Rawdon worships Becky in the early years of their marriage, regretting his degenerate past as he cannot provide her with the opulent life she desires. Rhett devotes much of his time on the page to physically and financially protecting Scarlett while also offering her emotional solace. Jaime sacrifices his inheritance to stay close to Cersei, setting aside his own desires to maintain their secretive, co-dependent relationship.

"Redeemable" Men

In each pairing, the men have reputations that precede them — Rawdon for his debts and gambling, Rhett for his scandals and for taking advantage of the Civil War through the blockade, and Jaime for murdering Aerys. Initially, they seem morally on par with the women — Rawdon joins Becky in extorting money, Rhett himself describes Scarlett as his selfish equal, and Jaime is presented as one of the first book's main antagonists, alongside Cersei. However, as the story unfolds, it becomes clear that the men adhere to a code of honor that the women lack — Rawdon repays Miss Briggs' loan despite Becky’s intentions to avoid it; Rhett fights for the Confederacy, knowing defeat is imminent; and Jaime saves Brienne during their journey back to King’s Landing.

Parenting Differences

In each pairing, the men also prove themselves to be, if not better (in the cases of Rawdon and Rhett), at least more empathetic parental figures. Becky harbors outright disdain for her son, and Scarlett neglects the children from her first two marriages, while Rawdon and Rhett are proud, affectionate, and invested fathers. Cersei, though more loving, overindulges Joffrey and takes her frustrations out on Tommen — which is contrasted (even if only briefly) with Jaime's more balanced approach.

"Good Woman" Foils

In each pairing, the women are juxtaposed with a female character whose genuine kindness and virtue — qualities that Becky, Scarlett, and Cersei can only feign — earn the respect and admiration of the male counterparts. For Becky, this woman is Jane Crawley. For Scarlett, it's Melanie Wilkes. For Cersei, it's Brienne of Tarth.

Forsaking Partners

In each pairing, in their relentless pursuit of power, security, or social ascension, the women start casting aside their male counterparts in favor of more superficial or opportunistic company. Becky ingratiates herself with members of the British elite. Scarlett mingles with the new-money Republicans who have risen to prominence in Atlanta. Cersei places her trust in figures such as Qyburn and Taena Merryweather.

Revelations of Infidelity

In each pairing, one of the decisive factors leading to the respective separations is the discovery of the women’s infidelities, validating their male counterparts' simmering jealousies. Rawdon catches Becky schmoozing with Lord Steyne, though the novel refrains from confirming whether their relationship was sexual. Scarlett’s friendly embrace with Ashley is misinterpreted, and word of it eventually reaches Rhett. Cersei’s affairs are exposed to Jaime by Tyrion and later verified by Lancel.

Violent Reactions

In each pairing, the men react to the women’s infidelities with violent anger. Rawdon strikes Lord Steyne and trashes Becky’s belongings. Rhett intimidates Scarlett with his drunken rages. Jaime, distanced from Cersei once his suspicions are proven true, fantasizes about physically harming her and her lovers.

Prolonged Relationships

In each pairing, the relationships endure for an extended period, intensifying the men’s eventual bitterness. Becky and Rawdon’s marriage lasts for over a decade. Rhett’s pursuit of Scarlett spans six years, with their marriage continuing for another six. Jaime and Cersei’s sexual relationship begins in childhood and persists into their early thirties.

Desperate Pleas

In each pairing, the women eventually make a desperate plea to their male counterparts. Becky enlists Rawdon's brother to persuade him of her innocence. Scarlett confesses her love to Rhett and invokes the intense feelings he once had for her. Cersei sends Jaime a letter asking him to rescue her from the Faith.

Dismissive Rejections

In each pairing, the men are too emotionally drained to continue the relationship and reject the women in rather careless ways. Rawdon refuses to speak to Becky while claiming the position she secured for him through her flirtations. Rhett shuts Scarlett down with the famous line, “Frankly, my dear, I don’t give a damn.” Jaime coldly dismisses Cersei’s plea with, “Put this in the fire.”

It was only recently, though, that I learned Margaret Mitchell was accused of drawing inspiration from Becky for Scarlett when Gone with the Wind was released. Mitchell denied this, claiming she hadn’t read Vanity Fair at the time, despite it's author even being referenced in her book through a conversation between Rhett and Melanie. And, if you're familiar with George's work, you’ve likely heard him repeatedly ask, "How many children did Scarlett O'Hara have?" when discussing the differences between a novel and it's adaptation. In fact, George has mentioned Gone with the Wind in several interviews, even acknowledging that he read the sequel by Mitchell’s estate, which he strongly disliked. This makes one wonder whether the evolution from Becky to Scarlett, and from Scarlett to Cersei, and consequently their romantic narratives, is truly coincidental.

[herdarkandquietspace]

[adelaidewinter]

Red dress from movies and tv series

One of my favourite costumes ❤️

[veronicaleighauthor]

In Defense of Becky Sharp

Before Bertha Russell of The Gilded Age, before Undine Spragg of “The Custom of the Country,” and before Scarlett O’Hara of “Gone With the Wind”…there was Rebecca “Becky” Sharp of “Vanity Fair!”

Can I do it? Can I defend “Vanity Fair” protagonist Becky Sharp? When I say defend, I don’t mean to excuse certain actions (like at the end when Thackery hints Becky possibly committed murder). No, I merely want to take a look at Becky’s character and see if somethings can be explained. Was she as bad as we remember her? Or was she simply trying to make her way in a cruel world in order to survive? Let’s find out!

Born to an English artist and a French opera girl, Becky Sharp had humble beginnings. Humble and scandalous. Her father drank and was abusive, and after her mother died young, she was sent off to Miss Pinkerton’s school for young ladies. Looked down upon because of her roots, after her education was completed, Becky taught French in exchange for her room and board. The time came when she must make her way in the world – by becoming a governess! One of the few occupations open to respectable ladies, it wasn’t an enviable position. Remember Jane Fairfax in “Emma” who makes a comment, comparing the governess-trade to the slave trade? Remember Jane Eyre in “Jane Eyre” and Agnes Grey in “Agnes Grey” who are often treated reprehensibly by those of the gentry? A governess wasn’t part of the family, yet she wasn’t considered one of the servants either. Governesses weren’t paid well, often had to deal with unruly charges, and their time wasn’t their own.

This would not do at all for the ambitious Becky Sharp! She forges a friendship with Amelia Sedley and rather than go out to work, she stays with the Sedley’s for a little while. Becky has the talent of making herself agreeable; like a chameleon she can adapt to her surroundings. When Amelia’s wealthy bachelor brother Jos comes home, there’s only one thing for a girl to do. Set her cap at the man. A marriage to Jos would save her from servitude! Marriage was the only respectable way for a girl to elevate herself in society. Marriage secured her future and ensured a certain amount of freedom she didn’t have as a single lady. The Sedley’s and their servants soon become wise of Becky’s intentions. Her plans are thwarted when Amelia’s sweetheart, George Osborne meddles and Becky is sent packing to her posting with the Crawley family.

Becky makes the best of the situation. An odd family, Sir Pitt Crawley allows her to take charge of his household. This is interesting, because like I said, governesses were in a station all of their own. Yet Becky interacts with the Crawley’s, she eats with them, and she manages their household. She endears herself to his sister, Miss Crawley, to the point she becomes a companion to the lady. This is infinitely preferable to looking after children, who she has no natural love for. When his wife dies, Sir Pitt Crawley is ready to make Becky his wife! He goes as far as making her a proposal, which she refuses. Alas, she is already married!

Yes, on the sly, Becky married Sir Pitt’s second son, Rawdon. Becky and Rawdon are soon cast off from the Crawley family. Social climbing through marriage was nothing new in Regency and Victorian society. However, the gentry and nobility didn’t want a low born marrying into their sphere. As a second son, Rawdon isn’t Sir Pitt’s heir, but he is Miss Crawley’s. He is promptly disinherited on his choice of a bad match. Becky and Rawdon must find a way in the world – Rawdon has no natural instincts as to how to do this. Becky, however, has been surviving since she was young. She becomes the manager of their household, their finances, and directs how they will maneuver socially. She arranges for her husband to play cards to con people out of their money, while she flirts to make important connections. If she lived in the 21st century, she would be a CEO of a Fortune 500 company. Becky seems like like Rawdon’s company, but I never feel she truly loved him. Or anyone else in the world.

Her career of rising once more in society is first in her heart. When she has a son, she has no interest in motherhood. In fact, she ends up neglectful, abusive, and begins to hate her own child. It is Rawdon, for all of his faults, who is both mother and father to their boy, Little Rawdon. When Little Rawdon is sent to school, it is Rawdon Sr. who mourns the boy’s absence, whereas Becky couldn’t care less. It is Rawdon who loves and visits the boy and looks forward to the weekends when his son visits. Rawdon and Becky begin to drift apart, as she is ascending higher and higher into the fashionable world.

Becky carries on with a new conquest: Lord Steyen. We never know how far their flirtations go (the door is closed, but an affair is alluded to) but it is enough to secure her money and presents and introduction into high London Society. This is the same society who will always reject her due to her origins, her current advantageous marriage, and her little machinations. Despite her aspirations, she will never truly be accepted in their world. She eschews decorum, willing to perform in a risqué charade/dance at a party, before all of the guests. However, the breaking point in Becky and Rawdon’s marriage comes when Rawdon is taken to prison for unpaid debts. Rather than pawn any of her trinkets to free him, Becky refuses and continues on her merry way. If his brother hadn’t intervened, he would have stayed in the prison indefinitely, like Mr. Dorrit in “Little Dorrit.”

After Rawdon’s eventual release from the bailiff’s house, he returns home to find Becky bejeweled and in a compromising situation with Lord Steyen. He throws the nobleman out, confronts Becky, demanding to have the money she squirreled away. It is over between them, however, Becky attempts to spin her web of deceit with Rawdon, the servants, and her brother-in-law. All to no avail. Lying has become second-nature to her; she doesn’t even take a moment of consideration before telling another one. Rawdon must act quickly- he arranges for his brother to take charge of Little Rawdon before he sets off for a new military posting. A new military posting all arranged by Lord Steyen. Did Becky have a hand in it? Did she do it to get her husband out of the way and to be completely available to Lord Steyen? Thackery doesn’t say. We know she only regrets her fall from good society and goes on her way, once more at the bottom. Because after Rawdon’s encounter with Lord Steyen, Lord Steyen drops Becky.

Divorce was rare in the world of the gentry. An official divorce could require an act of parliament. Divorce wasn’t something Becky would want, for she would be fully shunned like Maria Rushworth in “Mansfield Park.” Couples often separated, remaining married but living apart. This is what happened to Becky and Rawdon. Now on her own and on the streets, Becky takes a “tour of Europe” where she lives by her wits. She only reaches out to her son when she learns that he has become heir to Queen’s Crawley estate. She roams about Europe like a vagabond, leaving trouble in her wake. She settles in Germany, applying her skills at the gaming tables to make a living. Once more her path crosses with Amelia and Georgie Osborne, Jos Sedley, and Major Dobbin, who have embarked on their own European tour. She is able to beguile Jos and Amelia into believing her stories of woe, that she has been misused and abused by her husband. Major Dobbin sees through her lies. But she knows how to manage everything enough to drive a wedge between Amelia and Major Dobbin and comes close to ending a friendship.

She then does something uncharacteristic- she sets things to right between Amelia and Major Dobbin. Becky shows Amelia the old note of George Osborne’s when he attempted to seduce her many years before. She then encourages Amelia to see George for what he was and embrace a chance at real happiness with Major Dobbin. Why did she do this random act of kindness? She wanted to see Amelia protected in this uncertain world, knowing her old friend could easily be taken advantage of. To Becky’s credit, she pointed Amelia in the direction of Major Dobbin, who loved her and would protect her. It leads to Amelia and Major Dobbin reconciling and then to their marrying.

Jos… sweet, old, faithful Jos…What’s a girl like Becky to do but set her cap at him once more! She is technically still married to Rawdon Crawley, true, but that doesn’t stop her from insinuating herself into every aspect of Jos’s life. Friend, companion, perhaps even lover. Her rule over him becomes abusive, to the point he wishes to escape and is often frightened of what she is capable of. Jos dies and what do you know, Becky is the beneficiary of his life insurance policy. It is suspected that she perhaps had a hand in his death. Did she do it? Did Becky murder Jos Sedley? Perhaps…only she knows for certain and that is something she’ll take to her grave. Once more she is elevated in society, has her own wealth this time, and returns to London. She has her enemies; her old friend Amelia has nothing to do with her. But she goes to church, gives charitably, she is fashionable and she has her own set of friends.

Becky has found her happy ending – which is herself. Becky’s true love is Becky – can I defend that? No, especially since there’s a chance, she murdered an innocent man to achieve her happy ending. I might be able to defend some of her actions, by saying Becky had to make her way in the world because no one was going to make it for her. But it can’t explain away her cruelty and neglect of her own son. The most fascinating part about Becky’s character is she feels absolutely no remorse for any of her actions. There’s never a moment when she sits backs and feels the teensiest bit of guilt. Is Becky Sharp a sociopath? Is she a narcissist? Are we reading too much into Becky Sharp? Were she a man, would we think twice about her actions? Or if she lived in the 21st century, would we understand her better? Would we have more compassion for her if she eventually found redemption and sought forgiveness?

What do you think?