The Vicar of Wakefield · Chapter
XII explained
The Primrose family, buoyed by the prospect of social advancement through their daughters' acquaintance with Lady Blarney and Miss Skeggs, decides to sell their old colt at the fair to buy a better horse.
What happens
The Primrose family, buoyed by the prospect of social advancement through their daughters' acquaintance with Lady Blarney and Miss Skeggs, decides to sell their old colt at the fair to buy a better horse. Moses is sent to the fair but returns with a gross of green spectacles instead of money, having been swindled by a sharper. Mr. Burchell visits and advises caution about the ladies' note, which displeases Mrs. Primrose.
Themes in this chapter
Deception and Appearance
Moses is deceived by a sharp-looking stranger who sells him worthless spectacles, and the family's social aspirations are built on flimsy appearances.
Social Class and Wealth
The family's desire to 'hold up their heads a little higher' drives their decisions, including the ill-fated horse sale.
Family and Paternal Authority
Dr. Primrose's weak opposition to his wife's schemes and his son's independent but foolish actions highlight the erosion of his authority.
Characters to notice
- Dr. Primrose
The narrator and father, who reluctantly agrees to the horse sale and later consoles the family after Moses's poor bargain.
- Deborah Primrose
The ambitious wife who schemes for her daughters' social advancement and insists on sending Moses to the fair.
- Moses Primrose
The son sent to sell the colt; he returns having been tricked into buying a gross of green spectacles.
- Mr. Burchell
Visits the family after the fair, brings small gifts, and advises caution about the ladies' note, earning Mrs. Primrose's displeasure.
- Olivia Primrose
One of the daughters, whose prospects of going to town are discussed by her mother.
- Sophia Primrose
The other daughter, similarly the subject of her mother's social ambitions.
Key passages
“Fortune seems resolved to humble the family of Wakefield—Mortifications are often more painful than real calamities.”
It appears that fate intends to bring down the Primrose family; disappointments can hurt more than actual disasters.
Opening reflection on the family's misfortunes.
“I have brought you myself, cried Moses, with a sly look, and resting the box on the dresser.”
Moses, with a mischievous expression, set the box on the dresser and announced that he had brought himself back.
Moses's humorous evasion when asked what he brought from the fair.
“A gross of green spectacles! repeated my wife in a faint voice. And you have parted with the Colt, and brought us back nothing but a gross of green paltry spectacles!”
My wife, nearly speechless, exclaimed that Moses had traded the colt for a worthless dozen dozen of green spectacles.
Mrs. Primrose's dismay at Moses's poor bargain.