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Chapter 10
Themes
Key
LitCharts assigns a color and icon to each theme in The Vicar of Wakefield, which you can use to track the themes throughout the work.
Humility in the Face of Adversity
The Possibility of Redemption
Family and Society
Equality, Justice, and the Law
Travel, Home, and Belonging
Summary
Analysis
The Primroses go over to Flamborough’s to celebrate Michaelmas, an invitation they might not have accepted before their most recent embarrassment, considering themselves above the Flamborough family. The party is nevertheless very pleasant, and Mr. Burchell organizes games for the children. In the midst of a game of hunt the slipper, the town ladies Blarney and Miss Carolina Wilelmina Amelia Skeggs enter. The Primroses are embarrassed to be caught indulging in such activities in front of such cultured women, who were worried when Olivia and Sophia failed to appear in church. The ladies assure the Primrose daughters of their desire to be closer friends, and they continue to impress them with talk of aristocratic life. Throughout their conversation, however, Burchell rudely interrupts, shouting “Fudge!” after each of them speaks, much to Dr. Primrose’s annoyance.
Michaelmas is a Christian festival celebrated on September 29. In their hesitation to spend time with the Flamboroughs, the Primroses reveal the uglier side of their newfound ambition, forsaking the company of the simple country folk who are not only their neighbors but, as parishioners, Dr. Primrose’s livelihood, in order to appease the aristocrats. Once they arrive at the party, however, they realize how wrong they were to doubt Flamborough; Burchell’s presence too shows how genuine a social space the peasant household is compared to the Squire’s banquets. The arrival of town ladies, however, throws the family back into their aspirations—and, consequently, their embarrassment. Starry-eyed before such distinguished noblewomen, they are unable to make sense of Burchell’s rude behavior, not even attempting to explain it to themselves.
Themes
Despite Burchell’s interruptions, it becomes clear that the town ladies are each seeking companions, or educated servants who can both do needlework for them and entertain them. Mrs. Primrose deferentially suggests her daughters, with Dr. Primrose’s tacit support, though once again Burchell cries out “Fudge!” as Mrs. Primrose lists their qualifications and qualities. The town ladies agree, but say that they would need further recommendations, and will turn to Squire Thornhill for his opinion.
The town ladies’ suggestion of work is hardly the most subtle, but it is more than enough to convince Mrs. Primrose, who is hearing exactly what she wants to hear. Dr. Primrose, struggling to convince her otherwise, gives in entirely, and she offers Olivia and Sophia as applicants without a second thought in order to get them closer to wealthy potential husbands.
Themes
