The Vicar of Wakefield
What is The Vicar of Wakefield about?
The Vicar of Wakefield (1766) is Oliver Goldsmith’s beloved novel about Dr. Primrose, a kindly, unworldly vicar whose family is plunged from comfort into hardship. The vicar loses his fortune, his daughter is seduced by a villainous squire, his son is imprisoned, and his family endures one misfortune after another—yet Primrose maintains his faith and good humor throughout. The novel blends comedy, sentiment, and social criticism in a portrait of English country life that charmed generations of readers. Goethe called it one of the best novels ever written.
Main themes in The Vicar of Wakefield
English country life
The presence of english country life in The Vicar of Wakefield connects readers to its enduring relevance.
Vicar and family
Vicar and family emerges as a defining element in The Vicar of Wakefield, shaping character development.
Social criticism
The presence of social criticism in The Vicar of Wakefield connects readers to its enduring relevance.
Sentiment and humor
The presence of sentiment and humor in The Vicar of Wakefield connects readers to its enduring relevance.
Why The Vicar of Wakefield is still relevant today
The Vicar of Wakefield is a classic of English fiction, beloved for its warmth, humor, and portrait of country life. Goethe and many other writers considered it a masterpiece.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is The Vicar of Wakefield about?
A kindly, unworldly vicar and his family endure a series of misfortunes—loss of fortune, seduction, imprisonment—with faith and good humor.
Is it serious or comic?
Both. Goldsmith blends genuine sentiment and social criticism with warmth and humor.
Why was it so admired?
Goethe called it one of the best novels ever written. It was enormously popular for its portrait of English country life.
Can I read it free online?
Yes, the complete novel is available free on TextStack.