The Vicar of Wakefield · Chapter
The Conclusion explained
The morning after his release, Dr.
What happens
The morning after his release, Dr. Primrose learns from his son George that the merchant who had failed has been arrested and his assets recovered, restoring the family's fortune. Sir William Thornhill arrives with marriage licenses, and a double wedding takes place: Sir William marries Sophia, and George marries Miss Arabella Wilmot. The family celebrates with a joyful dinner, and Dr. Primrose reflects on his gratitude and happiness.
Themes in this chapter
Forgiveness and Redemption
The family's fortunes are restored, and Mr. Thornhill is shown in a diminished but accepted role, hinting at possible future reform.
Family and Paternal Authority
Dr. Primrose officiates the weddings, gives consent for Moses's potential match, and gathers his family around the fireside, embodying the patriarch's role.
Providence and Fate
The unexpected recovery of the merchant's assets and the happy resolution of the family's trials are presented as providential.
Characters to notice
- Dr. Primrose
Awakens to find his son George by his bedside, learns of restored fortune, officiates the weddings, and presides over the joyful family gathering.
- George Primrose
Visits his father early in the morning to share news of the recovered fortune and offers to release his father from the settlement; marries Miss Arabella Wilmot.
- Sir William Thornhill
Enters to advise Dr. Primrose on accepting George's offer, sends for marriage licenses, and marries Sophia Primrose.
- Sophia Primrose
Marries Sir William Thornhill in the double wedding ceremony.
- Miss Arabella Wilmot
Marries George Primrose; insists that Lady Thornhill should be married first out of politeness.
- Moses Primrose
Leads one of the Miss Flamboroughs at the wedding; has taken a liking to her and may seek his father's consent.
Key passages
“I had nothing now on this side of the grave to wish for, all my cares were over, my pleasure was unspeakable. It now only remained that my gratitude in good fortune should exceed my former submission in adversity.”
Dr. Primrose feels completely content and grateful, recognizing that his happiness now demands even greater thankfulness than his earlier patience during hardship.
Reflects the theme of gratitude and the moral lesson of enduring adversity with humility.
“My eldest daughter, however, still remembers him with regret; and she has even told me, though I make a great secret of it, that when he reforms she may be brought to relent.”
Olivia still thinks of Mr. Thornhill with fondness and has confided to her father that she might forgive him if he changes his ways.
Hints at possible future reconciliation and the theme of forgiveness.