# How does The Vicar of Wakefield develop the theme of Hypocrisy and Morality?

> The Vicar of Wakefield by Oliver Goldsmith

## Answer

The Vicar of Wakefield by Oliver Goldsmith develops Hypocrisy and Morality across the chapters the companion marks for this theme.

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.

## Evidence

- [ii](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_vicar_of_wakefield_se/chapters/ii.md): 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.
- [vi](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_vicar_of_wakefield_se/chapters/vi.md): The Vicar's harsh moralizing about Mr. Burchell's past contrasts with his own family's imperfections and Sophia's more compassionate view.
- [ix](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_vicar_of_wakefield_se/chapters/ix.md): 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.
- [x](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_vicar_of_wakefield_se/chapters/x.md): The vicar's lectures on contentment are ignored by his own family, and he secretly enjoys their mortification as a lesson in humility.
- [xiii](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_vicar_of_wakefield_se/chapters/xiii.md): The vicar's self-justification after the breach of hospitality reveals a moral compromise.
- [xv](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_vicar_of_wakefield_se/chapters/xv.md): The vicar's allegory contrasts the behavior of the guilty and the virtuous, highlighting the hypocrisy of those who judge without full knowledge.
- [xx](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_vicar_of_wakefield_se/chapters/xx.md): Sir William Thornhill's rebuke of George for being the instrument of his nephew's vices, while George himself fights a duel for Thornhill, underscores moral hypocrisy.
- [xxi](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_vicar_of_wakefield_se/chapters/xxi.md): Thornhill's public generosity and private treachery, along with the innkeeper's wife's harsh judgment, highlight societal hypocrisy.

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