Joseph Andrews Book 1
Themes
Theme of religion
Fielding’s novels are full of clergymen like Mr. Abraham Adams. Fielding draws
the distinction between the mere formal profession of Christian doctrines and that
active charity which he considers true Christianity. Fielding’s religion focuses on
morality and ethics rather than on theology or forms of worship. His view about
religion is obvious in many occasions in the novel, for instance when Joseph
moves to London with lady Booby, Joey is influences by the big-city footmen, who
succeed in getting him to change his hair but fail to make him pick up any of their
vices. He spends most of his free time on music. He becomes less obviously
devoted to his religion, but “his Morals remained entirely uncorrupted.” Fielding is
breaking the common doctrines about religion, he also emphasizes on the
importance of forgiveness in religion. Hen joseph is robbed and beaten by the
ruffians, Mr. Barnabas, the clergyman urges Joseph to forgive the two Ruffians “as
a Christian ought,”. Moreover, Fielding states that religion is not worshiping,
religion is ethics. When Mr. Adams and Mr. Barnabas then argue over Doctrine of
Faith and religion. Mr. Adams suggests that “a virtuous and good Turk, or
Heathen, are more acceptable in the sight of their Creator, than a vicious and
wicked Christian, tho’ his Faith was as perfectly orthodox as St. Paul’s himself.”
Fielding is objecting on emphasizing faith over charity and good works.
Theme of Hypocrisy
Hypocrisy means pretending to be other than one is. There are many hypocrites in
the novel, such as lady booby and Mrs. Slipslop. Sir Thomas Booby dies, and Lady
Booby accordingly confines herself to her room, ostensibly to mourn his passing
but really to play cards. On the seventh day of her “mourning” she sends for Joey
tries to seduce him. She is very mean that pretends to worry whether it is safe for
her to be alone in her bedroom with Joey. Mrs. Slipslop as well pretends that she
hates Joseph and tries to corrupt his reputation when he refuses her, however, she
regrets her action, and states that if she had known that Lady Booby would fire
him, she would never have reported Joseph’s behavior.
Theme of Temptation, Lust or Seduction
There are many characters in the novel (men and women) viewed in lustful
moments. There are many ladies tries to seduce Joseph. Firstly, Lady Booby flirts
with him and seeks opportunities of leaning on his arm when he accompanies her
on her walks. On the seventh day of her husband’s death, she sends for Joey tries to
seduce him but in vain, Lady Booby finally dismisses him in frustration. Secondly,
Mrs. Slipslop, like her mistress, is strongly attracted to Joseph, and she has tried in
to attract him with “Tea, Sweetmeats, Wine, and many other Delicacies”. Mrs.
Slipslop suggests that Joseph has been ungrateful in failing to return her affections.
Thirdly, Betty, the maid of the inn. She has been attracted to Joseph and tries to
seduce him but Joseph refuses. Mr. Tow-Wouse, also a lustful character, he seizes
the opportunity of Betty’s sentimental breakdown and tries to seduce her.
Theme of Chastity or Virtue
Fielding discuss the theme of chastity through Joseph and Fanny, they remain
chaste till marriage. Joseph resists the seduction of the many ladies. When Lady
Booby tries to seduce him he vows that he would “rather die a thousand Deaths”
than commit any sexual transgression. Moreover, when Lady Booby accuses him
of all the vices Mrs. Slipslop attributed to him, Joseph denies her accusation and
makes reference to the virtuous example of his sister, Pamela Andrews, who has
endured the attentions of Sir Booby’s nephew. He states that virtue is something
important for both men and women, it is not confined to women only.
Theme of Class distinction
Joseph Andrews is full of class distinctions and concerns about high and low birth.
Fielding criticizes social conventions. Fielding confesses that he has been unable to
discover the ancestry of the Andrews family. Fielding is satirizing the social
convention saying that only families of high standing are considered to be
“families” in the proper sense.
