The Vicar of Wakefield

The Vicar of Wakefield
by: Dr. Oliver Goldsmith
Characters:
Rev. Dr. Primrose, the charitable vicar.
Deborah, the vicar''s wife
Olivia and Sophia, their daughters
Squire Thornhill, an unprincipled man
Mr. Burchell, in reality Sir Thornhill
          The Rev. Primrose, vicar of Wakefield, was leading a happy life with his wife Deborah, their daughters Sophia and Olivia, and four sons when misfortunes came to the family. The vicar lost his independent fortune through the bankruptcy of a merchant, and the family moved into another house owned by the village squire Thornhill
          The latter turned out to be a scoundrel for he seduced Olivia after a mock marriage and then abandoned her afterwards. Bitter and ashamed, Olivia hid from her family, but her father, the vicar brought her back home. Then the vicarage was destroyed by fire, worse, the heartless, sinful Squire Thronhill had the vicar imprisoned for debt.
         To avenge his daughter''s dishonor, brother George, challenged the squire to a duel, but he was overpowered by an unknown villain. Sophia was forcibly abducted by the unknown villain. Olivia hiding from her shame, had been pining since her desertion was repoterd to be dead.
         The vicar''s family came to know the kindly, eccentric Mr. Burchell, who offered advice concerning the disposal of the Primrose daughters. The vicar didn''t like his advice. Later, Mr. Burchellwas suspected as Olivia''s educer. But Mr. Burchell was instrumental in rescuing Sophia and she got interested in him. It turned out that he was Sir William Thornhill, uncle of the evil Squire and he eventually married Sophia.
         Olivia was found alive, not dead as reported and her marriage to the squire turned out to be legal. The vicar regained his fortunes, and George married his sweetheart.