The Vicar of Wakefield

The Vicar of Wakefield by Oliver Goldsmith

Dr. Primrose, the vicar of Wakefield, is a wealthy man who lives in a peaceful community with his family. He has two daughters, Olivia and Sophia, and his four children, George, Bill, Moses and Dick, and his wife, Deborah. His son George is engaged to Arabella Wilmot, but on the night of their wedding, Dr. Primrose loses all his money after his broker filed for bankruptcy. Arabella's father later cancels the marriage.

George is then sent to London and the family is forced to move to a parish in the lands of Squire Thornhill. Mr. Thornhill has a reputation for being a gentleman who lives thanks to his wealthy uncle, Sir William Thornhill. At first, the family struggles to fit into the new, less fashionable region. Shortly after moving to the area, Mr. Primrose meets Mr. Burchell and Squire Thornhill.

Mr. Burchell saves Sophia from drowning and they both show mutual attraction. The vicar discourages the romance because Mr. Burchell is a poor young man. Squire Thornhill seems courteous, charming and friendly, despite his low reputation. Thornhill shows an interest in Olivia, which pleases Mr. Primrose. For a short time the family lives happily. Squire Thornhill continually encourages the Primrose family to pursue social ambitions that exceed their class status, and this leads to many embarrassments.

Eventually, Mr. Primrose discovers that Squire Thornhill has deceived the family. Olivia leaves with him instead of marrying the man her family has chosen for her, thereby sacrificing her reputation. The vicar follows her and during the journey she falls ill. After a series of unfortunate events that ruin the family's reputation, Mr. Burchell saves the family from misfortune and reveals himself as the kind Sir William Thornhill.