# Providence and Fate in The Vicar of Wakefield

> Theme guide for The Vicar of Wakefield by Oliver Goldsmith.

The Vicar frequently interprets events as divine trials or blessings, believing that Providence guides human affairs, a theme underscored by the family's eventual rescue from ruin through seemingly coincidental interventions.

## Where it surfaces

- [A Migration](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_vicar_of_wakefield_se/chapters/iii): The narrator reflects that 'the fortunate circumstances of our lives are generally found at last to be of our own procuring,' suggesting a belief in personal agency within a providential framework.
- [XVIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_vicar_of_wakefield_se/chapters/xviii): The Vicar reflects on his misfortunes and the hand of correction, suggesting a providential view of suffering.
- [Chapter XXVIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_vicar_of_wakefield_se/chapters/xxviii): The Vicar and his wife acknowledge Providence's role in the miscarriage of the angry letter, preserving George from ruin.
- [Chapter XXIX](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_vicar_of_wakefield_se/chapters/xxix): The Vicar argues that providence balances happiness and misery, rewarding the wretched in the afterlife.
- [Happier Prospects Begin to Appear](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_vicar_of_wakefield_se/chapters/xxx): The narrator reflects on providence granting relief from pain, and Sophia's rescue is seen as a fortunate turn.
- [XXXI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_vicar_of_wakefield_se/chapters/xxxi): The accidental arrival of Miss Wilmot at the prison is presented as a fortuitous event that leads to the revelation of truth.
- [The Conclusion](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_vicar_of_wakefield_se/chapters/xxxii): The unexpected recovery of the merchant's assets and the happy resolution of the family's trials are presented as providential.

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_vicar_of_wakefield_se/themes/providence_and_fate
- Themes index: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_vicar_of_wakefield_se/themes