# Chapter XVII explained — The Vicar of Wakefield

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

## What happens

Dr. Primrose pressures Olivia to choose between Mr. Thornhill and the honest Mr. Williams, setting a date for her marriage to Williams. As the day approaches, Olivia elopes with Mr. Thornhill, causing the family's grief and the vicar's initial rage, which he later tempers with Christian forgiveness.

## Themes in this chapter

### Love and Marriage

Olivia's romantic entanglement with Thornhill versus her father's insistence on a prudent match with Williams highlights the tension between passion and practical marriage.

### Deception and Appearance

Olivia acts the coquet to perfection, and Thornhill's true intentions remain hidden until the elopement.

### Forgiveness and Redemption

Dr. Primrose's shift from cursing Thornhill to blessing his enemy and his resolve to welcome a repentant Olivia underscore the theme of forgiveness.

## Character check-ins

### Dr. Primrose

The vicar insists on a deadline for Olivia's choice, then reacts with fury and later repentance upon learning of her elopement.

### Olivia Primrose

Torn between her love for Thornhill and her father's demands, she ultimately elopes with Thornhill, causing the family's distress.

### Mr. Thornhill

Appears dejected by Olivia's engagement to Williams, but makes no honorable declaration; he eventually elopes with Olivia.

### Moses Primrose

Engages in lighthearted banter about marriage markets before the crisis erupts.

### Deborah Primrose

Grieves and reproaches Olivia after the elopement, but is comforted by her husband.

### Dick Primrose

Brings the news of Olivia's elopement to the family.

## Key lines

> Scarce any virtue found to resist the power of long and pleasing temptation.

Few people can remain virtuous when faced with persistent and attractive temptation.

_Opening reflection on Olivia's vulnerability to Thornhill's seduction._

> The character which I have hitherto supported in life demands this from me, and my tenderness, as a parent, shall never influence my integrity as a man.

My reputation requires that I act honorably, and my love as a father will not compromise my principles.

_Dr. Primrose asserts his moral duty over parental indulgence._

> I think myself happier now than the greatest monarch upon earth. He has no such fireside, nor such pleasant faces about it.

I consider myself more fortunate than any king, for he lacks the warmth of my family circle.

_Dr. Primrose's contentment before the elopement is revealed._

> The first fault is the child of simplicity; but every other the offspring of guilt.

A first mistake arises from innocence, but subsequent ones come from deliberate wrongdoing.

_Dr. Primrose's rationale for forgiving Olivia's first transgression._

## Links

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