As has been largely proved by now, Evelina is more than a simple

tea-table novel mocking the manners of the time: it evinces a deep

reflection on the mores and values governing eighteenth-century

society and on the difficulties entailed in any attempt at defining

women's role and place in that society. This book aims at showing

how Frances Burney uses devices reminiscent of the satirical prints

and the comedies of manners of her time to raise the question of

the link between manners and the social classes, and more importantly,

to lift the veil hiding the savagery inherent in that so-called

civilized society. Disruptive forces bring chaos in the apparently

smooth narrative but whether they really question traditional hierarchies,

or whether they are ultimately meant to reassert them, remains

to be determined. In the end, the strongest subversion of all is

achieved in more secret ways, questioning men's power over women

through a development of reading and writing skills.