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Dr. Charles Primrose
Mr. Burchell is a charitable and seemingly destitute stranger whom the Primroses meet on their way to Squire Thornhill’s lands. After Burchell is unable to pay his bill at the inn because he gave away his money to prevent a dog thief from being whipped, Dr. Primrose gladly lends him money, happy to help such a generous person. Burchill soon forms a friendship with the Primroses, developing feelings for Sophia after he rescues her. He is a talented everyman who is able to discourse with Dr. Primrose on theology and philosophy, heal Dr. Primrose’s wounded arm, fight off Sophia’s abductors, and entertain children like Dick and Bill. He tells the Primroses about Sir William Thornhill, slipping from the third to the first person as he describes the lord’s excessive generosity, which almost bankrupted him, though he does not yet reveal that he is in fact Thornhill. He continues to visit the family and protect them from his nephew the Squire’s plots, foiling the town ladies’ attempt to bring Olivia and Sophia with them to London. The Primroses misunderstand this as jealousy, however, and break off their relations with him. They then wrongly blame Burchell for Olivia’s abduction, only learning later that the Squire was the true culprit. In the end, Burchell reveals himself to be the very same Sir William whom George appealed to in London. He then confronts the Squire and, after several witnesses are produced, ensures that justice is done, giving Olivia the Squire’s allowance, donating money to the prisoners, and marrying Sophia himself.
Mr. Burchell (Sir William Thornhill) Quotes in The Vicar of Wakefield
The The Vicar of Wakefield quotes below are all either spoken by Mr. Burchell (Sir William Thornhill) or refer to Mr. Burchell (Sir William Thornhill). For each quote, you can also see the other characters and themes related to it (each theme is indicated by its own dot and icon, like this one:
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Chapter 13
Quotes
When gone, we all regarded each other for some minutes with confusion. My wife, who knew herself to be the cause, strove to hide her concern with a forced smile, and an air of assurance, which I was willing to reprove: ‘How, woman,’ cried I to her, ‘is it thus we treat strangers? Is it thus we return their kindness? Be assured, my dear, that these were the harshest words, and to me the most unpleasing that ever escaped your lips!’ – ‘Why would he provoke me then,’ replied she; ‘but I know the motives of his advice perfectly well. He would prevent my girls from going to town, that he may have the pleasure of my youngest daughter’s company here at home. But whatever happens, she shall chuse better company than such low-lived fellows as he.’ – ‘Low-lived, my dear, do you call him,’ cried I, ‘it is very possible we may mistake this man’s character: for he seems upon some occasions the most finished gentleman I ever knew.’
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Chapter 31
Quotes
‘I must confess, Sir,’ cried he, ‘that your present disappointment does not entirely displease me. Your immoderate passion for wealth is now justly punished. But tho’ the young lady cannot be rich, she has still a competence sufficient to give content. Here you see an honest young solider, who is willing to take her without fortune; they have long loved each other, and for the friendship I bear his father, my interest shall not be wanting in his promotion. Leave then that ambition which disappoints you, and for once admit that happiness which courts your acceptance.’
Chapter 32
Quotes
As soon as dinner was over, according to my old custom, I requested that the table might be taken away, to have the pleasure of seeing all my family assembled once more by a chearful fire-side. My two little ones sat upon each knee, the rest of the company by their partners. 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.
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Mr. Burchell (Sir William Thornhill) Quotes in The Vicar of Wakefield
The The Vicar of Wakefield quotes below are all either spoken by Mr. Burchell (Sir William Thornhill) or refer to Mr. Burchell (Sir William Thornhill). For each quote, you can also see the other characters and themes related to it (each theme is indicated by its own dot and icon, like this one:
).
Chapter 13
Quotes
When gone, we all regarded each other for some minutes with confusion. My wife, who knew herself to be the cause, strove to hide her concern with a forced smile, and an air of assurance, which I was willing to reprove: ‘How, woman,’ cried I to her, ‘is it thus we treat strangers? Is it thus we return their kindness? Be assured, my dear, that these were the harshest words, and to me the most unpleasing that ever escaped your lips!’ – ‘Why would he provoke me then,’ replied she; ‘but I know the motives of his advice perfectly well. He would prevent my girls from going to town, that he may have the pleasure of my youngest daughter’s company here at home. But whatever happens, she shall chuse better company than such low-lived fellows as he.’ – ‘Low-lived, my dear, do you call him,’ cried I, ‘it is very possible we may mistake this man’s character: for he seems upon some occasions the most finished gentleman I ever knew.’
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Chapter 31
Quotes
‘I must confess, Sir,’ cried he, ‘that your present disappointment does not entirely displease me. Your immoderate passion for wealth is now justly punished. But tho’ the young lady cannot be rich, she has still a competence sufficient to give content. Here you see an honest young solider, who is willing to take her without fortune; they have long loved each other, and for the friendship I bear his father, my interest shall not be wanting in his promotion. Leave then that ambition which disappoints you, and for once admit that happiness which courts your acceptance.’
Chapter 32
Quotes
As soon as dinner was over, according to my old custom, I requested that the table might be taken away, to have the pleasure of seeing all my family assembled once more by a chearful fire-side. My two little ones sat upon each knee, the rest of the company by their partners. 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.
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