I have promised myself that I will finish reading Frances Burney’s Cecilia during the coming year, even if it takes me a while, so in an effort to get through it, I’ve decided to “chronicle” my readings rather than review it when I finish.
According to my LibraryThing, I started reading Cecilia on June 7th. I selected this particular novel because I never did get around to reading much 18th century fiction and Jane Austen was a fan of Burney’s. Divided into 5 volumes, 10 books, the novel captures the pomp of 18th century London.
As it stands, I am on page 358, Book 5, Volume 3.
The story thus far…
A sweet and clever girl, Cecilia was left to the guardianship of her uncle after the death of her family. Growing up in the Suffolk countryside with little exposure to the foibles of fashionable society, Cecilia is unaccustomed to the hypocrisy and excess that mark her entrance among the ton.
When her uncle passes away, Cecilia emerges a wealthy heiress, left under the protection of three guardians who will look after her interests until she reaches her majority or marries. Cecilia’s guardians, Mr. Delville, Mr. Briggs, and Mr. Harrel, are as unlike in manner as they are in interest. Leaving the familiarity of the country, Cecilia travels to London to stay in the home of Mr. Harrel, in the company of her childhood friend, Mrs. Harrel. Finding little by way of sense in the Harrel home, Cecilia is disappointed to realize that her friend has fallen into a life of dissipation and waste. Living well beyond their means, the Harrels are heavily in debt and have no qualms about compromising the well-meaning Cecilia.
Cecilia’s wealth and beauty are a source of trouble for her, as fortune-hunting gentlemen seek her hand with little regard for her opinion, exposing her to calumny and slander with their actions. Gossip arises as Cecilia falls victim to the machinations of the Harrels, who wish her to marry Sir Robert Floyer. Meanwhile, Cecilia is sought by her trusted friend, Mr. Monckton, whose intentions are not what Cecilia believes them to be, Mr. Arnott, Mrs. Harrel’s brother, attempts to insinuate himself in her regard, and Mr. Belfield mistakenly concludes that Cecilia’s concern for him is more than friendly.
Poor Cecilia just wants to use her wealth to help people, but her good intentions are continually thwarted and misconstrued. Falling in love with the young Mr. Delville, her guardian’s son, Cecilia despairs of ever making her feelings known.
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This is a tome. And at times, best taken in small doses. I am interested in the story, but Burney is a heavy read. At times, Cecilia almost reminds me of Emma, though Cecilia is reminiscent of Emma’s victims rather than Emma herself. It will take me a while to finish the novel, but I really want to know how Cecilia is going to get herself out of the mess she is in.
Tags: cecilia, frances burney, reading reaction
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