# Social Class and Wealth in The Vicar of Wakefield

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

The book contrasts the simple, virtuous life of the rural clergy with the corrupting influence of wealth and high society, as seen in the predatory behavior of the wealthy Squire Thornhill and the family's attempts to improve their social standing.

## Where it surfaces

- [Advertisement](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_vicar_of_wakefield_se/chapters/advertisement): The author contrasts the simplicity of the country fireside with the disdain of those fond of high life, reflecting tensions between social classes.
- [Chapter II](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_vicar_of_wakefield_se/chapters/ii): The loss of fortune directly impacts the family's social standing and leads Mr. Wilmot to break off the engagement, highlighting the importance of wealth in marriage arrangements.
- [A Migration](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_vicar_of_wakefield_se/chapters/iii): The family's fall from fourteen thousand pounds to four hundred highlights the fragility of wealth and the social descent from gentility to humble living.
- [A New and Great Acquaintance Introduced](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_vicar_of_wakefield_se/chapters/v): Mr. Thornhill's superior rank and fine clothes immediately command respect and admiration, illustrating the power of wealth and status in social interactions.
- [Chapter VII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_vicar_of_wakefield_se/chapters/vii): The family's financial strain from entertaining Thornhill's servants and Deborah's ambition for Olivia's match highlight class aspirations.
- [Chapter IX](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_vicar_of_wakefield_se/chapters/ix): The contrast between the Primroses' modest means and the ladies' fashionable pretensions highlights class tensions and the desire for social elevation.
- [Chapter X](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_vicar_of_wakefield_se/chapters/x): The family's attempt to appear above their circumstances leads to ridicule and underscores the dangers of pride and social ambition.
- [Chapter XI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_vicar_of_wakefield_se/chapters/xi): Mrs. Primrose's eagerness to secure companion positions for her daughters reflects the family's reduced circumstances and their aspiration to maintain social standing through association with the gentry.
- [XII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_vicar_of_wakefield_se/chapters/xii): The family's desire to 'hold up their heads a little higher' drives their decisions, including the ill-fated horse sale.
- [XIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_vicar_of_wakefield_se/chapters/xiii): The vicar warns against associating with the rich, and the family's ambitions to rise socially are central to the conflict.
- [XIV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_vicar_of_wakefield_se/chapters/xiv): The family's need to sell their horse to fund the daughters' trip underscores their reduced financial circumstances and social aspirations.
- [The Family Use Art, Which Is Opposed with Still Greater](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_vicar_of_wakefield_se/chapters/xvi): The Primroses' anxiety about fortune and status drives their matchmaking efforts, as Mrs. Primrose laments that beauty and virtue are worthless without money.
- [Chapter XIX](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_vicar_of_wakefield_se/chapters/xix): The Vicar's political speech critiques class hierarchy and the power dynamics between the rich, the middle order, and the monarchy.
- [Chapter XX](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_vicar_of_wakefield_se/chapters/xx): George's experiences highlight the vast gap between the wealthy nobility and the desperate poor, as seen in his attempts to gain patronage and his near-indenture.

## Links

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