51 pages • 1 hour read
Henry FieldingThe History of the Adventures of Joseph Andrews and of His Friend Mr. Abraham Adams
Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 1742A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.
Themes
Hypocrisy Versus Authenticity in Human Nature
Hypocrisy results from basic human selfishness. In pursuit of social status, reputation, and self-preservation, both high-class and low-class people are pretentious, pretending to be one type of person on the outside when they are quite different on the inside. Henry Fielding contrasts hypocritical characters (such as Lady Booby, Mrs. Slipslop, and the partridge hunter) with genuine characters (such as Joseph and Fanny) to teach the reader the downfalls of pretension and the blessings of genuineness.
The Augustan Age of English literature, in which the novel was written, valued learning through the observation of human nature. Fielding uses satire, a popular literary tool of the day, to highlight the characters’ hypocritical nature and educate readers about human behavior. By demonstrating the pitfalls of hypocrisy as well as the providential rewards of authenticity, Fielding shows the reader what type of person to be and what kind of behavior to emulate. Lady Booby is in constant conflict between her desire for Joseph and her pride in her reputation. She attempts to cover up her lustful and manipulative intentions, which only causes her further heartache and turmoil. In contrast, Joseph’s feelings for Fanny are constant and true. He is sacrifices opportunities to climb the social ladder, risks his life, and refuses quick and easy sexual gratification to stay faithful to his true love. As a result, he is repeatedly rewarded as providence works in his favor to ensure his and Fanny’s ultimate happiness.
By contrasting hypocritical characters with authentic characters, Fielding teaches readers the value of authenticity and its eventual blessings, and his use of satire and slapstick comedy ensures the text entertains even as it instructs.
The Relationship Between Social Status and Virtue
The novel presents upper-class, middle-class, and lower-class characters whose status or social aspirations dictate their lives and behaviors. Published when literature was just beginning to be written for those outside the wealthy and educated classes, Fielding’s commentary on social status was a lesson on the vain pursuit of status and the importance of virtue over rank.
Characters like Mrs. Tow-wouse and Miss Grave-airs show how social position can easily dictate behavior, particularly reactions to people in need. Though they’re of different classes, both women see themselves as above Joseph’s low status as a footman, and they therefore refuse him basic human kindness despite his injuries. In contrast, Parson Adams, though somewhat arrogant in expressing his opinions, does not allow his middle-class status to change his behavior to those beneath his station. He views Joseph and Fanny as his dear friends and children, and he remains loyal to them despite backlash and threats to his livelihood from upper-class figures like Lady Booby.
The novel’s virtuous characters, Joseph and Fanny, remain untainted by the powerful pull of high social status. Joseph chooses Fanny over the opportunity to become a gentleman, and Fanny chooses Joseph over the opportunity to marry a wealthy man. They are role models for the reader, showing that virtue operates independently of class. Fielding’s novel both warns and inspires readers not to let social status to dictate their virtue, and to instead maintain morality without regard for class.
Charity as a Defining Christian Trait
Fielding identifies charity as a quality central to Christian character. Parson Adams embodies true Christian charity. He often preaches charity to those he meets on the road, and he cares for Joseph and Fanny as if they are his own children, even though they are poor. Adams often gives money to those who need it, including strangers. He is surprised when others are not as willing to give or lend him money. When Parson Trulliber, a foil of Adams in every way, refuses to lend him a penny, Adams responds, “Now, there is no command more express, no duty more frequently enjoined, than charity. Whoever, therefore, is void of charity, I make no scruple of pronouncing he is no Christian” (119).
For Adams, Christianity and charity are intertwined, and he lives by this belief. When he encounters other people who do not share his beliefs, he can’t stand to continue conversing with them. During a coach ride with Peter Pounce, Adams argues that people are only blessed with wealth to bless others. Pounce disagrees, saying that many of the hardships poor people face are merely imagined. Adams is so offended by this cold and unchristian idea that he leaves the coach to walk on foot. When people do show Adams charity, they are usually poor, such as the peddler who has exactly enough money in his pocket to pay the inn bill.
Joseph is another character who exemplifies charity. On numerous occasions he is the victim of unkind behavior from others, such as the thieves who rob and beat him, and the rude Mrs. Tow-wouse who won’t even lend him a shirt. The people who give Joseph trouble usually belong to the upper class, such as Lady Booby, while those who help him are lower class, such as Betty the chambermaid. Joseph realizes that honor earned from charitable behavior is better than honor stemming from wealth or accomplishments. He lives out his philosophy by respecting both high- and low-class citizens and remaining kind to others. Both Adams and Joseph are positive examples of Christian charity in action.
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By Henry Fielding
