William Makepeace Thackeray was a towering figure in Victorian literature, rivaling even Charles Dickens in his day. Born in India and later a resident of London, Thackeray's life was marked by personal struggles and artistic triumphs. His works remain a testament to his keen observational skills and his ability to portray the intricacies of Victorian society.

Early Life and Education

William Makepeace Thackeray entered the world in 1811 in Calcutta, India, where his father worked for the East India Company. When Thackeray was just four years old, his father, Richmond Thackeray, passed away. His mother remarried Captain Henry Carmichael-Smyth, a man who would later inspire the character of Colonel Newcome in Thackeray's work. At age eleven, Thackeray was sent to Charterhouse School in England, where he faced severe bullying, resulting in a permanently altered appearance that haunted him throughout his life. His academic journey at Cambridge University was unremarkable, as he left without earning a degree. Early adult years found him in Weimar, engaging with the cultural scene, and later in Paris pursuing art, until he settled on a career in literature, blending his artistic talents into his writing.

The Artistic Turn

Thackeray initially aspired to be an artist and even attempted to illustrate works such as Dickens’s The Posthumous Papers of the Pickwick Club. However, this effort was rejected, redirecting his path towards writing. Despite the setback, Thackeray continued to nurture his love for art by illustrating his own works later in his career. His turn to literature was fortunate, as he became known for satirical pieces in Fraser’s Magazine where he mocked the sentimental and sensationalist novels of his time. His early work, Catherine, challenged the popular crime stories, and Barry Lyndon followed as a rogue narrative influenced by Henry Fielding. It was with Vanity Fair, however, that Thackeray's reputation was cemented, even if his sales were outpaced by Dickens.

Lectures and Personal Life

In the 1850s, Thackeray embarked on two lecture tours across the United States, where he was warmly received by influential figures and celebrated society. These tours expanded his horizons and introduced him to American intellectual circles. Despite professional successes, Thackeray's personal life was marked by tragedy. His marriage to Isabella Shaw in 1836 brought emotional turmoil due to her eventual mental illness. The loss of a second infant daughter further darkened his domestic life. Nonetheless, Thackeray remained a devoted father to his surviving daughters, manifesting a tenderness that contrasted with his often cynical public persona.

Literary Style and Rivalry

Thackeray's writing style was characterized by a blend of cynicism and sentimentality. While his judgments about characters could appear conventional, his talent lay in capturing them with vivid realism. His characters, frequently depicted as rogues, embodied the complexity of human nature. As Thackeray put it, “The Art of Novels is to represent Nature; to convey as strongly as possible the sentiment of reality.” This philosophy set him apart from Dickens, whose works were imbued with more vitality and empathy. Thackeray's narratives primarily unfolded in the realms of Mayfair and bohemia, offering a glimpse into the upper echelons of society.

Relationship with Dickens

Though Thackeray and Dickens shared mutual respect, their relationship was not devoid of tension. Dickens sometimes resented Thackeray's perceived aristocratic demeanor and envied the acclaim of Vanity Fair. Their professional relationship strained due to a dispute at the Garrick Club, although they reconciled shortly before Thackeray's sudden passing. Dickens felt a profound loss at Thackeray's death, grieving the departure of his artistic rival.

Notable Works and Legacy

Vanity Fair stands as Thackeray’s crowning achievement, presenting a vivid tapestry of...