# Advertisement explained — The Vicar of Wakefield

> Chapter companion for The Vicar of Wakefield by Oliver Goldsmith.

## What happens

Oliver Goldsmith introduces his work, acknowledging its faults but defending its value. He describes the hero as a priest, husbandman, and father, who is simple in affluence and majestic in adversity, and questions whether such a character can please an age of opulence and refinement.

## Themes in this chapter

### Virtue in Adversity

The hero is described as 'majestic in adversity,' highlighting the theme of maintaining virtue despite hardship.

### Social Class and Wealth

The author contrasts the simplicity of the country fireside with the disdain of those fond of high life, reflecting tensions between social classes.

## Character check-ins

### Dr. Primrose

The hero of the piece, described as a priest, husbandman, and father of a family.

## Key lines

> There are an hundred faults in this Thing, and an hundred things might be said to prove them beauties.

The work has many flaws, but just as many could be argued to be strengths.

_Goldsmith acknowledges potential criticisms while defending the book's merits._

> The hero of this piece unites in himself the three greatest characters upon earth; he is a priest, an husbandman, and the father of a family.

The protagonist embodies the three most noble roles: a clergyman, a farmer, and a family man.

_Establishes the central character's virtuous and multifaceted identity._

> In this age of opulence and refinement whom can such a character please?

In a time focused on wealth and sophistication, who would appreciate such a simple figure?

_Highlights the contrast between the hero's simplicity and the era's values._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_vicar_of_wakefield_se/chapters/advertisement
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_vicar_of_wakefield_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_vicar_of_wakefield_se/chapters