Hypocrisy and Morality

The book exposes the hypocrisy of the wealthy and powerful, such as Squire Thornhill's public charm versus his private villainy, while the Vicar's own minor hypocrisies (e.g., his pride in his monogamy tracts) are gently satirized.

Mr. Wilmot's prudence in breaking off the match after the loss of fortune contrasts with his earlier willingness to proceed, suggesting a moral compromise driven by self-interest.

The Vicar's harsh moralizing about Mr. Burchell's past contrasts with his own family's imperfections and Sophia's more compassionate view.

Thornhill's virtuous talk about temperance and honour masks his immoral proposal, while the ladies' discreet dialogue on virtue is undercut by their own behavior.

The vicar's lectures on contentment are ignored by his own family, and he secretly enjoys their mortification as a lesson in humility.