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Farmer Williams is a simple, kindhearted farmer who is in love with Olivia. Mrs. Primrose uses him to goad the Squire into making a proposal, hoping that the fear of competition will force the Squire to declare his love. Dr. Primrose would prefer that Olivia marry farmer Williams, who is steady and dependable, but Olivia’s abduction thwarts his plans. When Olivia returns, farmer Williams renews his affections, but she is too depressed to reciprocate them.
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Farmer Williams Character Timeline in The Vicar of Wakefield
The timeline below shows where the character Farmer Williams appears in The Vicar of Wakefield. The colored dots and icons indicate which themes are associated with that appearance.
Chapter 16
...is still uneasy. When Mrs. Primrose suggests to the Squire that Olivia may marry farmer Williams, he strenuously opposes the match but refuses to make any commitment to her of his...
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Chapter 17
Dr. Primrose is pleased at the possibility of a marriage between Olivia and farmer Williams, whom he finds genuine and responsible, unlike the Squire. Nevertheless, the scheme continues without a...
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...the fire, the family discusses the future. Moses sees practical advantages in the marriage, as Williams will loan them farming equipment for free. Williams has also taught Dick and Bill songs,...
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Chapter 23
...to his family to keep their spirits up. Olivia is particularly dejected and rejects farmer Williams’s overtures, unable to recover her former innocence. To distract her Dr. Primrose tells the story...
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