The Vicar Of Wakefield Summary
The Vicar of Wakefield, by Oliver Goldsmith, was originally published in 1766. Goldsmith was an
Irish novelist and this novel, written from the point of view of the vicar, was widely popular among
Victorians in the late nineteenth century. Goldsmith was friends with Dr. Samuel Johnson, a well-known
literary critic and author. Johnson reportedly helped Goldsmith publish the novel in order to pay back
rent. Although the novel incorporates multiple genres—everything from poetry to sermons to prose—
most critics consider The Vicar of Wakefield to be a fictional memoir told in the first person.
The novel opens with the vicar and his family. Dr. Charles Primrose lives in his country parish with
his wife, Deborah, and their children, among whom are George, Olivia, and Sophia. They can afford their
comfortable lifestyle because Charles wisely invested inheritance he received from a relative, who passed
away before the story begins. Of his wealth, he donates thirty-five pounds to orphans and veterans alike.
That money comes from his wages. Charles’ son George is set to marry Arabella Wilmot the next day.
Arabella comes from a wealthy family, so the match is considered beneficial to both families until the
vicar’s investor goes bankrupt and loses all of the vicar’s money before leaving town in a rush.
As a result, Arabella’s father calls off the wedding and George is sent to town. With his Oxford
education, the Primrose family hopes he can make his own way there. The others all move to another
parish, humbler in situation than where they lived at the start of the book. It is on land owned by Squire
Thornhill. On their way there, they learn about Thornhill’s womanizing reputation. They hear, too, about
his uncle’s reputation, which is one of generosity and worth. His uncle is named Sir William Thornhill.
Meanwhile, Sophia nearly drowns but is rescued by a man named Mr. Burchell. The family met
him at an inn on their way to their new parish. However, Deborah, who is ambitious for her children and
wants them to make advantageous matches, discourages any feelings of attachment Sophia might have
for Mr. Burchell. Life settles into happiness and regularity. Both Mr. Burchell and Squire Thornhill visit the
family frequently.
Olivia is swayed by Squire Thornhill’s charm and good looks, but she’s not the only one. Both
Deborah and Sophia become convinced that their ambitions will be answered should he marry one of
them. After Olivia reportedly flees the parish, Charles initially believes Mr. Burchell to be the driving force
behind her disappearance. However, when he finds Olivia, he learns that it was Squire Thornhill who
persuaded her to leave. He had convinced her they would marry, though he intended only to undergo a
mockwedding, and planned to leave her afterwards, which Charles learns is Squire Thornhill’s modus
operandi.
Olivia returns home with Charles, only to find that their house is on fire. The family lives, but they
lose all of their possessions and money. Squire Thornhill continues to demand that Charles pay rent,
despite the fact that the house is destroyed. Since Charles cannot pay, Squire Thornhill has him arrested
and brought to debtor’s prison. George, hearing of Squire Thornhill’s behavior, challenges him, but is
arrested as well. Sophia is abducted and Olivia reported dead. All seems lost for the vicar, at least until
Mr. Burchell returns.
