vicar of wakefield, the
C1-C2Literary, Historical, Academic
Definition
Meaning
The title of a classic 18th-century English novel by Oliver Goldsmith, often used to refer to the novel itself.
A cultural and literary reference point, often symbolizing pastoral life, family virtue, naivety, sentimentalism, or resilience in the face of misfortune. May be used as a descriptor for characters or situations reminiscent of the novel's plot.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
This is a proper noun (a book title). Its usage outside of direct reference to the novel is metaphorical or allusive.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The novel is a canonical part of English literature, so familiarity is slightly higher in British cultural contexts. In American usage, reference may be more exclusive to academic literary circles.
Connotations
In both, it connotes 18th-century literature, sentimentality, and moral tales. In broader British cultural memory, it may be a more common touchstone for a certain type of clerical or rustic figure.
Frequency
Very low frequency in general discourse. Higher in university literature departments or historical discussions.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
[read/study/reference/evoke] The Vicar of WakefieldThe Vicar of Wakefield [is/was/remains] a novel...reminiscent of The Vicar of WakefieldVocabulary
Synonyms
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “A real Vicar of Wakefield situation (implying a series of comical or sentimental misfortunes)”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Virtually never used.
Academic
Used in literature, history, and cultural studies courses discussing 18th-century fiction, sentimentalism, or the rise of the novel.
Everyday
Extremely rare. Might be used by a well-read person making a literary allusion.
Technical
Used as a specific bibliographic entry or reference in literary criticism.
Examples
By Part of Speech
adjective
British English
- It had a very Vicar-of-Wakefield-ish charm about it.
American English
- The story's tone is decidedly Vicar of Wakefield.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- We are reading 'The Vicar of Wakefield' in our English class.
- The film's plot, with its misfortunes and final redemption, is reminiscent of 'The Vicar of Wakefield'.
- Goldsmith's 'The Vicar of Wakefield' serves as a prime exemplar of the sentimental novel, balancing moral instruction with narrative pathos.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a VICAR (priest) WAKing up in a FIELD. This odd image recalls the title of this old pastoral novel.
Conceptual Metaphor
LIFE IS A SENTIMENTAL NOVEL; MISFORTUNE IS A TEST OF VIRTUE.
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid translating 'Vicar' as generic священник (priest). A 'vicar' is a specific Anglican clerical role, often a parish priest. 'Wakefield' is a place name, not a compound word to translate.
Common Mistakes
- Misspelling as 'Vicker' or 'Wakeford'. Using it as a common noun, e.g., 'He was a vicar of Wakefield' (incorrect unless his name was Dr. Primrose from that novel).
Practice
Quiz
What does the phrase 'a Vicar of Wakefield scenario' typically imply?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is the title of a novel. The main character is the fictional Reverend Dr. Charles Primrose.
It was published in 1766.
It is considered a classic and is studied in literature courses, but it is not widely read by the general public.
Only in a metaphorical or allusive sense, to suggest someone who is virtuous, naive, or experiencing a run of old-fashioned misfortunes.