In this post, notes of “Unit 2: The Vicar of Wakefield by Oliver Goldsmith“ from “DSC- 6: 18th Century English Literature” are given which is helpful for the students doing graduation this year.
1. Introduction to Oliver Goldsmith
Early Life and Education
Oliver Goldsmith was born on November 10, 1728, in Pallas, County Longford, Ireland. He was the son of a poor Anglican priest, Charles Goldsmith, and his wife, Anne. Growing up in a rural area, Goldsmith faced money problems, which later influenced his writing. He went to Trinity College in Dublin and got a Bachelor of Arts degree in 1749. Even though he did well in school, Goldsmith did not follow a typical career. After graduating, he struggled to find a job in law and medicine, leading him to travel around Europe, where he experienced poverty and bad luck, which inspired his later writings.
Literary Career and Major Works
Goldsmith started his writing career in London in the 1750s. At first, he had a hard time getting noticed, but he eventually became known as a writer, poet, and playwright. Some of his most famous works are:
- The Vicar of Wakefield (1766): A heartfelt novel about the life and challenges of Dr. Primrose, a clergyman, and his family.
- She Stoops to Conquer (1773): A funny play that pokes fun at class, romance, and misunderstandings.
- The Deserted Village (1770): A sad poem reflecting on the decline of rural life and the impact of industrialization.
- The Citizen of the World (1760–61): A series of essays that humorously look at English society through the eyes of a Chinese philosopher.
Goldsmith was known for his wit, humor, and kind portrayals of characters, often mixing humor with serious social issues.
Goldsmith’s Contribution to 18th Century Literature
Goldsmith was important in the growth of the 18th-century English novel. His works, especially The Vicar of Wakefield, combined feelings and humor, creating a unique style that readers liked. Goldsmith’s writing reflected the changing tastes of his time, connecting earlier literature focused on reason and satire with later Romantic writing that emphasized feelings and individuality. His skill in mixing moral lessons with interesting, often funny stories made novels more relatable and enjoyable for a wider audience.
2. Context and Background of The Vicar of Wakefield
Historical and Social Context
The Sentimental Novel and its Popularity
The Vicar of Wakefield was written when sentimentalism was popular in European literature, especially in England. Sentimental novels focused on emotions, virtue, and moral challenges, often presenting idealized characters and societies. This type of story became very popular in the mid-18th century after the success of books like Samuel Richardson’s Pamela (1740) and Laurence Sterne’s Tristram Shandy (1759). These novels centered on how characters grew emotionally and dealt with hardships, appealing to readers who began to value feelings over logic.
Goldsmith’s The Vicar of Wakefield fits well in this sentimental style, focusing on the moral challenges of the Primrose family with a happy ending. The novel was popular because it mixed deep emotions with humor, giving readers both laughter and sadness.
Inspiration and Source Material
Influence of Contemporary Literature
Goldsmith was inspired by other writers of his time, especially Samuel Richardson and Henry Fielding. Richardson’s Pamela and Fielding’s Tom Jones helped shape the English novel, with Richardson focusing on moral and emotional struggles and Fielding mixing humor with serious social issues.
Goldsmith’s The Vicar of Wakefield shares features with these earlier novels, especially its portrayal of a good but flawed main character and the moral challenges they face. However, while Goldsmith admired Richardson’s focus on virtue and Fielding’s humor, he also wanted to explore themes of family, social rise, and the idealization of rural life. His novel is seen as a mix of comedy, sentimentality, and moral lessons, which makes it different from the darker tones of some earlier writers.
The novel also shows Goldsmith’s personal experiences and observations. Having gone through financial struggles and social changes, Goldsmith understood the difficulties of ordinary people, especially the poor. This understanding is clear in the character of Dr. Primrose, who faces personal and financial challenges with determination.
3. Summary of The Vicar of Wakefield
Chapters 1-6: Introduction to the Primrose Family
In the beginning, we meet Dr. Charles Primrose, the vicar of Wakefield, and his family. Dr. Primrose is kind and values faith, goodness, and family more than money or status. His wife, Deborah, shares his values but is more practical. They live simply with their six children: George, Olivia, Sophia, and the younger ones. Even though they don’t have much money, they are happy, believing in the importance of love and being good.
These chapters highlight the ideal family life. Dr. Primrose is shown as a good and patient man, and his wife and children show different parts of his character. This early section sets the mood for the story, focusing on family togetherness, innocence, and a simple way of life.
Chapters 7-12: Misfortunes Begin
As the story continues, the Primrose family faces challenges. They lose a lot of money to a man named Squire Thornhill, which leads to financial trouble, forcing them to sell their things and move to a smaller home. Despite the hard times, Dr. Primrose stays hopeful, while Deborah worries about their lower social standing.
In these chapters, meeting Squire Thornhill begins their troubles. Dr. Primrose’s ability to stay positive and moral, even during tough times, is a big part of who he is. His faith in God and belief in the goodness of people contrast with his wife’s more realistic and sometimes skeptical view.
Chapters 13-18: New Acquaintances and Challenges
The family’s problems grow, but they also meet new people who will affect their future. Mr. Burchell, a mysterious stranger, shows interest in the Primrose family and helps them, though we don’t know who he really is at first. Meanwhile, Squire Thornhill continues to complicate things, as he shows interest in Dr. Primrose’s daughters, especially Olivia and Sophia.
Mr. Burchell adds mystery to the story, and his role as both a helper and potential troublemaker makes the plot more interesting. The family faces more challenges, highlighting social issues of the time, especially regarding class and marriage.
Chapters 19-24: The Family Faces Hardships
In these chapters, the Primrose family experiences more personal losses. Dr. Primrose’s daughters, Olivia and Sophia, get involved with Squire Thornhill, whose true character is not as noble as they thought. The family suffers a loss of reputation, and their financial troubles seem complete when Dr. Primrose is betrayed again.
Despite these issues, the family’s strong beliefs guide them. Dr. Primrose, though hurt by the betrayals, holds on to his faith, while his wife and children struggle with their disappointment.
Chapters 25-30: Resolution and Reconciliation
In the final chapters, the family’s struggles come to an end. We learn that Mr. Burchell is actually Sir William Thornhill, a wealthy relative of Squire Thornhill. Sir William helps restore the family’s fortunes and reveals his love for Olivia. Squire Thornhill is shown to be selfish and dishonest, and the family’s moral values are rewarded. The Primrose family becomes happy and respected again.
This resolution highlights the importance of family, goodness, and faith. Dr. Primrose’s ability to handle his challenges with patience and strong values is confirmed, and the family finds happiness and respectability once more.
4. Characters and Analysis
Dr. Charles Primrose
Dr. Primrose is the main character and represents a good, moral man. Even after losing money and facing difficulties, he stays true to his beliefs, showing kindness, patience, and strength. His character is different from his wife and some others, as he keeps his idealism throughout the story. His role as a father and spiritual leader highlights the importance of family and moral values.
Deborah Primrose
Deborah is Dr. Primrose’s wife. She shares her husband’s good qualities but is more practical and worried about their social standing. Her practical nature sometimes causes tension with Dr. Primrose, who values moral and spiritual beliefs more than material wealth. Although she loves her family deeply, she is less idealistic than her husband because of her concerns about their status.
George, Olivia, Sophia Primrose
Dr. and Deborah Primrose’s children play important roles in the story. George, the oldest son, is ambitious and wants to marry into wealth. Olivia and Sophia are romantic and idealistic but fall for Squire Thornhill’s charm. Their experiences with love and betrayal show the story’s themes about social class and the risks of misplaced trust.
Mr. Burchell/Sir William Thornhill
Mr. Burchell is a mysterious man who first seems poor and odd, but later we find out he is Sir William Thornhill. He helps the Primrose family and his love for Olivia leads to a happy ending. His character shows that people are not always what they seem, adding depth to the story.
Squire Thornhill
Squire Thornhill is the main villain, a charming but dishonest man who uses the Primrose family for his own gain. His actions reveal the dangers of false appearances, and when he is exposed as a bad character, it reinforces the story’s moral lessons.
Secondary Characters
Other characters, like Mr. Wilmot, a wealthy landowner who helps the Primrose family, and Mrs. Slipslop, a servant with her own romantic problems, also add to the story’s social and emotional depth.
5. Themes and Motifs
The Idea of the Ideal Family
A key theme in The Vicar of Wakefield is the ideal family. The Primrose family is loving and virtuous, showing that true strength comes from unity and devotion, even without wealth.
The Role of Religion and Morality
Religion and morality play a big role, with Dr. Primrose’s faith guiding him. The story highlights the importance of goodness and integrity, especially during tough times. Dr. Primrose’s strong faith serves as a moral guide, showing that good character will be rewarded, even in an unfair world.
Social Class and Pretensions
The novel criticizes the social class system and the pretensions that come with it. Squire Thornhill represents the superficial nature of the rich, while Dr. Primrose’s family, despite having less money, shows true virtue. This contrast emphasizes that a person’s worth is not based on their social class, but on their moral character.
The Journey from Naivety to Realism
Another important theme is the journey from being naive to becoming realistic, especially for younger characters like Olivia and Sophia. At first, they are idealistic and unaware of life’s difficulties, but their experiences force them to face reality. This theme highlights the value of learning from experiences and the challenge of staying idealistic in a flawed world.
6. Symbols and Literary Devices
The Primrose Family
The Primrose family stands for goodness, love, and strong family ties. Even though they lose their money and social status, they stay united in their values and care for each other. This shows that personal integrity is more important than wealth. They are a model of moral strength and represent a good family compared to the bad families or people they meet, like Squire Thornhill.
Role of Fortune and Misfortune
The ideas of good luck and bad luck play a big part in the story. The ups and downs of the Primrose family’s social standing show how unpredictable life can be. Their loss of wealth and later recovery highlight that true happiness comes from being good, not from having money. Bad luck teaches that a person’s worth is not determined by outside factors.
Use of Irony and Satire
Goldsmith uses irony and satire to criticize social norms and the dishonesty of his characters. For example, Squire Thornhill seems charming at first but is actually selfish and deceitful. This contrast reveals the difference between how things appear and how they really are, especially in the social class system. Goldsmith also mocks the false sense of superiority among the wealthy, showing that their privilege often comes with moral failings.
Goldsmith’s satire also includes the clergy, like Dr. Primrose. While he is genuinely good, his overly hopeful view of people and his social position are gently criticized, showing the clash between idealism and real life.
Sentimentalism and its Critique
While The Vicar of Wakefield is a sentimental story, Goldsmith critiques its extremes. Sentimental stories often focus too much on emotions and perfect characters, which can feel unrealistic. Goldsmith uses humor and irony to balance this out. For example, while Dr. Primrose’s endless hope in tough times shows ideal goodness, it also becomes a target for gentle teasing. Goldsmith wants readers to see the good in sentimentality but also to understand its limits.
7. Critical Interpretations and Reception
Early Reception and Critical Reviews
When it was published in 1766, The Vicar of Wakefield was mostly well-received, though some criticized it. Readers liked its humor, charm, and focus on moral values. The balance of humor and sadness in the story was praised, and many found it a refreshing change from stricter works of that time.
However, some critics thought it was too sentimental. While they accepted its moral messages, they questioned the perfect image of the Primrose family and the happy ending. Some felt it was too idealistic. Still, the novel became popular and is now a classic of 18th-century literature.
Modern Critiques and Perspectives
Feminist Interpretations
Modern feminist views of The Vicar of Wakefield look at how women are portrayed, especially Dr. Primrose’s daughters. The story reflects traditional gender roles, showing women as either objects of love or victims. Critics argue that the female characters have little power, with their lives largely controlled by men like Squire Thornhill.
Feminist readings suggest that while the emotional experiences of women are shown, their ability to make choices is limited. However, Olivia’s marriage to Sir William Thornhill can be seen as a positive outcome, where she finds happiness through a morally good relationship, even though it still follows social expectations.
Socioeconomic Analyses
From a socioeconomic view, The Vicar of Wakefield comments on class and social mobility. The Primrose family’s fall shows how fragile social status can be. Goldsmith criticizes the class system by contrasting the honest Primrose family with the corrupt wealthy, like Squire Thornhill. Dr. Primrose values virtue over wealth, challenging a society that values appearance and money more than character.
The story also suggests that luck, not just hard work, influences success. This reflects the uncertainty of social status in 18th-century England, where poor families like the Primroses could easily lose everything, while the rich could maintain power despite their flaws.
Modern readers might see the novel’s view of social class as a critique of the growing capitalist society. Dr. Primrose’s simple yet honorable life contrasts with the greed and desire for status in others, raising questions about what true wealth and worth really are.
In conclusion, The Vicar of Wakefield is a complex text that has inspired many interpretations. Whether through its sentimental view of family, its satire of social norms, or its detailed look at gender roles, the novel remains a significant work that continues to be studied and valued for its depth.
8. Importance and Influence of The Vicar of Wakefield
Impact on Later Literature
The Vicar of Wakefield has greatly shaped the English novel. It mixes feelings, moral lessons, and humor. Goldsmith’s skill in merging deep emotions with cleverness set a standard for future writers who wanted to connect with readers through both sadness and laughter. The book’s focus on an ideal family, social class, and personal goodness influenced later 18th and 19th-century authors, like Jane Austen, who also wrote about social issues, marriage, and character.
Austen’s novels, such as Sense and Sensibility and Pride and Prejudice, show hints of Goldsmith’s mix of social commentary with character stories. Themes of moral values, family, and class are also found in the works of writers like Samuel Richardson and Frances Burney, who discussed social norms and women’s emotions, as well as Charles Dickens, who later critiqued society with humor and social awareness.
Role in the Sentimental Novel Tradition
Goldsmith’s The Vicar of Wakefield is an important work in sentimental novels, which became popular in the mid-18th century. These novels focus on feelings and moral lessons, often showing an ideal view of human nature. Goldsmith followed and gently critiqued the sentimental style in his writing. He used common sentimental elements, such as good characters and dramatic troubles, while also using irony and humor to show the downsides of too much sentimentality.
The novel connects the more moralistic works of the 18th century with the more emotional stories of the 19th century. While it keeps many sentimental features, Goldsmith’s clever use of humor and satire makes it more than just melodrama, giving it a lasting appeal in literature.
Goldsmith’s Influence on Popular Culture
Although not adapted as often as other works, The Vicar of Wakefield still affects popular culture. The story has been made into various stage shows, radio plays, and films, often highlighting the book’s moral themes and funny parts. Its portrayal of an ideal family facing challenges and succeeding through good values appeals to audiences interested in themes like perseverance, family loyalty, and social advancement.
Goldsmith’s sharp and humorous view of characters and society has inspired modern writers and creators. Elements of the book’s character portrayals and moral questions can be seen in many current works, where class issues, romantic relationships, and family dynamics are explored with a similar mix of humor and emotion.
9. Extra Resources
Suggested Readings
- Oliver Goldsmith: A Biography by J. R. de J. Jackson
- This biography gives a complete view of Goldsmith’s life and works, showing how his experiences influenced his writing.
- The English Novel: An Introduction by Terry Eagleton
- This book explores the history of the English novel, providing context for understanding The Vicar of Wakefield in the development of the genre.
- Sentimentalism and the Novel in the 18th Century by Jessica Richard
- This book focuses on the sentimental novel, discussing Goldsmith’s The Vicar of Wakefield and its influence on the genre.
- The Cambridge Companion to the Eighteenth-Century Novel edited by John Richetti
- This collection of essays discusses major 18th-century authors, including Goldsmith, giving insight into his work and impact.
Online Resources and Databases
- Project Gutenberg
- Free online version of The Vicar of Wakefield. A great place to read the text and find related works by Goldsmith.
- Project Gutenberg – The Vicar of Wakefield
- Internet Archive
- Access to historical editions of The Vicar of Wakefield, essays, and biographies. Useful for those interested in original texts.
- Internet Archive – The Vicar of Wakefield
- The Victorian Web
- Focused on 19th-century literature, this site offers valuable articles on 18th-century works like Goldsmith’s, discussing themes like class and morality.
- The Victorian Web
- JSTOR
- A digital library providing access to scholarly articles and essays on The Vicar of Wakefield, including literary criticism and thematic analysis.
- JSTOR – The Vicar of Wakefield
Relevant Literary Criticism and Essays
- “Oliver Goldsmith and the Sentimental Novel” by A. D. McKillop
- An essay analyzing Goldsmith’s use of sentimentalism, discussing his style and themes in The Vicar of Wakefield.
- “The Role of Irony in Goldsmith’s Novels” by Harold K. Bush
- This essay looks at the ironic and humorous elements in The Vicar of Wakefield and their contribution to the story’s message.
- “The Primrose Family and the Ideal of Sentimental Family Life” by Elizabeth Smith
- This essay examines family dynamics in the novel, in relation to the sentimental ideals of the 18th century.
- “Goldsmith and the Portrayal of Women in The Vicar of Wakefield“ by Mary M. McDonald
- A feminist analysis focusing on how female characters reflect or challenge gender expectations of their time.
These resources provide different views on The Vicar of Wakefield and help deepen your understanding of Goldsmith’s work in its historical and literary context.