The Vicar of Wakefield · Chapter
The Family Use Art, Which Is Opposed with Still Greater explained
The Primrose family, enjoying frequent visits from Mr.
What happens
The Primrose family, enjoying frequent visits from Mr. Thornhill, schemes to secure him as a son-in-law. Mrs. Primrose attempts to manipulate him into proposing to Olivia by pretending to seek his advice on a suitable husband, while the family also commissions a large historical portrait that includes Thornhill as Alexander the Great at Olivia's feet. The painting proves too large for their home, inviting ridicule and scandalous whispers. The family resolves to press Thornhill further, with Olivia promising to marry a rival if Thornhill does not declare himself.
Themes in this chapter
Deception and Appearance
The family uses art and cunning schemes to project a desired image and manipulate Mr. Thornhill, while he himself employs flattery and evasion.
Social Class and Wealth
The Primroses' anxiety about fortune and status drives their matchmaking efforts, as Mrs. Primrose laments that beauty and virtue are worthless without money.
Love and Marriage
Marriage is treated as a strategic arrangement, with Olivia's hand being bartered between suitors based on wealth and social advantage.
Characters to notice
- Dr. Primrose
The vicar observes the family's schemes with some unease, ultimately consenting to the plan to pressure Mr. Thornhill.
- Mr. Thornhill
Visits frequently, flatters Olivia, and agrees to be painted as Alexander the Great in the family portrait, hinting at his intentions.
- Olivia Primrose
The eldest daughter, object of Mr. Thornhill's attentions; she agrees to marry a rival if Thornhill does not propose.
- Sophia Primrose
The younger daughter, to be painted as a shepherdess in the family portrait.
- Moses Primrose
The son, to be depicted in the portrait with a hat and white feather.
- Deborah Primrose
The wife and mother, who devises schemes to entrap Mr. Thornhill and arranges the family portrait.
- Farmer Williams
A tenant who has made marriage proposals to Olivia, considered as a rival to Mr. Thornhill.
- Farmer Flamborough
Neighbor whose family's portrait inspires the Primroses to commission their own.
Key passages
“Madam, if I were to choose, I would find out a person possessed of every accomplishment that can make an angel happy. One with prudence, fortune, taste, and sincerity, such, madam, would be, in my opinion, the proper husband.”
Mr. Thornhill tells Mrs. Primrose that an ideal husband for Olivia would be a man of perfect virtues and wealth, but he avoids naming anyone specific.
Thornhill's flattering evasion hints at his own interest without committing to a proposal.
“This was considered by us all as an indication of his desire to be introduced into the family, nor could we refuse his request.”
The family interprets Thornhill's wish to be painted in their portrait as a sign he wants to marry into the family.
The portrait becomes a symbol of the family's hopes and the gossip that follows.
“It was so very large that we had no place in the house to fix it.”
The completed painting is too big to hang in any room, causing embarrassment and mockery from neighbors.
The family's vanity backfires, leading to ridicule rather than admiration.
