As a novel of manners, Evelina does its best to capture the subtle social dynamics of upper-class late 18th century England. While some characters—like Evelina—act with good intentions yet accidentally behave in ill-mannered ways, many of Burney’s other characters appear to be courteous and well-mannered (following all of the rules of polite society), while secretly engaging in acts of deception.
Deception as a motif shows up several times throughout the novel. For example, Sir Clement successfully convinces most people that he is a stand-up gentleman while, behind closed doors, he is secretly trying to seduce Evelina (even going as far as physically threatening her), potentially ruining her reputation in the process. He also deceives Evelina by writing her a scandalous letter and signing it as Lord Orville in the hopes that she will lose interest in the nobleman.
Madame Duval is also a character who tries to present herself as a high-class, respectable woman while still deceiving others. The moment she meets Evelina, for example, she pretends to be a Frenchwoman who has been separated from her traveling companions so that Evelina will offer her a ride. Once inside Evelina’s vehicle, she reveals she actually was intentionally looking for Evelina. Burney also puts Madame Duval in a lot of wigs and hats, symbols for how she tries to hide her true identity.
In a less selfish form of deception, Evelina’s mother’s former maid Dame Green swaps her child (Miss Belmont) for Evelina soon after their respective births, hoping to give her daughter born out of wedlock a better life. It is notable that, unlike Sir Clement and Madame Duval’s deceptions—which were only meant to serve themselves—Dame Green’s lie is in service of her daughter’s future. When confronted, she breaks down crying and admits to her scheme, telling Sir John that she just wanted to provide for her daughter. Because of her caring intentions, Burney implies, Dame Green’s deception is more easily forgiven.
