Showing results by author "Oliver Goldsmith" in All Categories

From the instance of its first publication, in 1766, Oliver Goldsmith's novel of Christian piety and endurance has stood the test of time. The story is told in the first person by a vicar, Dr. Primrose, who, along with his wife and six children, lives a rural idyllic life in a country parish. It is a very sophisticated work which contrasts the forces that separate religious principal from the actual experiences of life. It is also a delightful, sentimental work whose amusing characters are both wise and foolish, brave and cowardly, rich and poor, as well as honest and knavish.

The kindly vicar's idyllic life in a country parsonage is suddenly devastated by many misfortunes. Even when jailed, however, he keeps his faith uppermost. This and his nobility of spirit help to bring justice to himself, his wife, and his children.

First published in 1766 and a perennial favourite since then, The Vicar of Wakefield is built around the naive but loveable figure of Dr. Primrose. He and his family live in rural bliss until disaster threatens to destroy their happiness: abduction, impoverishment, and betrayal combine to lay them low, but a surprising figure brings hope when all seems lost...

The story opens in the country parsonage of Dr. Primrose, a kindly man who has a good heart, a good family, and a good income. Suddenly, his idyllic life is cruelly devastated by a series of misfortunes, and he ends up in prison. Yet, despite all this calamity and injustice, the vicar never loses sight of Christian morality, a conviction which lends him genuine nobility and, in the end, also brings justice and the restoration of his family and fortune.

Step into the whimsical world of The Good-Natured Man, a comedic gem from the playwright behind the celebrated She Stoops to Conquer. This delightful tale weaves together themes of misguided charity, mistaken identity, and hidden romance. Will the benevolent Will Honeywood uncover the deceptions surrounding his goodwill? Can Leontine and Olivias complex relationship withstand the scrutiny of their secrets? And what schemes is the enigmatic Lofty concocting? Join us for a lively journey filled with humor and intrigue! (Summary by Amanda Friday)

Discover the timeless charm of Little Goody Two Shoes, the classic children's tale that has inspired generations with its message of kindness, perseverance, and the power of education.