The Vicar of Wakefield · Chapter
Chapter XXV explained
The Primrose family is taken to prison, but on the way they are intercepted by fifty of the vicar's parishioners who attempt to rescue him.
What happens
The Primrose family is taken to prison, but on the way they are intercepted by fifty of the vicar's parishioners who attempt to rescue him. The vicar calms them and continues on. Upon arriving at the prison, he finds the inmates surprisingly cheerful. He meets Mr. Jenkinson, who offers him a share of his bedclothes. The vicar recognizes Jenkinson as the man who sold him a horse for green spectacles. Jenkinson explains his criminal past, and the vicar promises to help suppress Flamborough's evidence against him.
Themes in this chapter
Virtue in Adversity
The vicar maintains his composure and moral authority, calming his parishioners and showing kindness to a fellow prisoner despite his own misfortune.
Forgiveness and Redemption
The vicar forgives Mr. Jenkinson for the earlier deception and promises to help suppress evidence against him, offering a chance at redemption.
Deception and Appearance
Mr. Jenkinson reveals his skill in counterfeiting age and identity, highlighting the theme of deception.
Characters to notice
- Dr. Primrose
The vicar leads his family to prison, calms his parishioners, and meets Mr. Jenkinson in gaol.
- Olivia Primrose
Enfeebled by a slow fever, she is carried behind an officer on horseback.
- Sophia Primrose
The vicar leans upon his youngest girl, whose tears fall for his distresses.
- Deborah Primrose
She leads one of the little ones by the hand during the journey.
- Mr. Jenkinson
A fellow prisoner who offers the vicar bedclothes; recognized as the horse seller from Welbridge fair.
- George Primrose
Leads one of the little ones by the hand during the journey.
Key passages
“No situation, however wretched it seems, but has some sort of comfort attending it.”
Every miserable situation has some comfort.
Opening reflection on finding solace in adversity.
“I shall yet perhaps one day see you in greater felicity here, and contribute to make your lives more happy.”
I hope to see you happier in this life and to help make your lives better.
The vicar's address to his parishioners, urging them to return home.
“How shall men so very wicked be cheerful, and shall I be melancholy!”
Why should wicked men be cheerful while I am sad?
The vicar's internal reflection on the prisoners' merriment.
“Ah sir, had I but bestowed half the pains in learning a trade, that I have in learning to be a scoundrel, I might have been a rich man at this day.”
If I had put half the effort into learning an honest trade as I did into becoming a rogue, I would be wealthy now.
Mr. Jenkinson's regretful confession about his misspent life.