American Research Journal of Humanities and Social Sciences

Volume 9, Issue 1, 69-72 Pages

Original Article | Open Access
ISSN (Online)- 2378-7031
DOI : 10.21694/2378-7031.23011

Vices and Virtues in Joseph Andrews by Henry Fielding

Manpreet Kaur, Dr. Sanjay Prasad
Department of English, Lovely Professional University, India.

Abstract
Henry Fielding’s novel, Joseph Andrews is one of his finest masterpieces. Joseph Andrews is a novel written in the middle
eighteenth century by Henry Fielding. In this novel, Fielding talks of human nature and of the need for control of sexuality.
Joseph Andrews is a novel by Henry Fielding that explores the theme of vices and virtues in a satirical and comic manner.
The story follows the adventures of the title character, Joseph Andrews, a virtuous young man who serves as a footman
and falls in love with his employer’s daughter, Fanny. As Joseph travels from place to place, he encounters a variety
of characters that represent different vices and virtues. The novel presents a world in which vice and virtue are not
necessarily fixed attributes of individuals but rather can be shaped by circumstances and environment. For example, the
character of Lady Booby is initially presented as a figure of vice; as she attempts to seduce Joseph, but later she is shown
to have the potential for virtue when she decides to help Fanny and Joseph reunite. The purpose of studying vices and
virtues in Joseph Andrews is to gain a deeper understanding of the novel’s characters and themes. As a novel of moral
instruction, Joseph Andrews presents a critique of the societal vices and virtues of the time, and provides examples of how
to lead a virtuous life.By examining the vices and virtues portrayed in the novel, readers can gain insight into the cultural
and social values of the 18th century. The novel explores various vices such as greed, envy, and lust, as well as virtues such
as honesty, kindness, and humility.
Keywords: Henry fielding, vices, virtues, chastity, morality, satire, Hypocrisy, Love, Irony

Introduction with her friends for six days. She started to seduce Joseph
Andrews and wanted to have a sexual intercourse with him.
“Joseph Andrews” by Henry Fielding is a novel that explores
the themes of vice and virtue through its characters and their Mrs Slipslop has been a widow for many years and she
actions. The novel is a satire of the popular genre of the time, found Joseph attractive and wanted to devour him as well
the “picaresque” novel, which typically featured a rogue or which also reflects the mannerisms and ill behaviour of city
antihero as the main character.In “Joseph Andrews,” the dwellers.
titular character is presented as the embodiment of virtue, In the novel, one can also see the other characters such as
while the other characters are portrayed as either virtuous Betty also was filled with sexual lust for Joseph when she
or vice-ridden. Some of the vices and virtues present in the encountered him in her landlord’s Mr Tow- wouse’s inn.
novel are: After Joseph declined her submissiveness, she slept with the
landlord and she was fired by the landlord’s mistress after
Vices she was caught sleeping with him.
In Joseph Andrews, The characters show a lot of inappropriate
The theme is heightened when Fanny, Mr. Parson Adams and
behaviour including the man and woman characters. Chastity Joseph were heading and amidst was attacked by a group of
is a recurrent theme- Joseph is a classic example of Male hounds where the leader of the hounds Squire kidnaps and
chastity as he is the victim of seduction by Lady Booby and takes away Fanny so that he could raped her. She was saved
Mrs. Slipslop. by Mr. Peter a steward of Lady Booby. Beau Didapper also
London is depicted as a place of lust and filled with shows the same amount of lust for Fanny where he decides
wantonness. The city is corrupt with vices where Lady Booby to woo around Fanny and triggering the anger of Joseph.
represents the corruption of London settlers. She gambles The only characters who remained chastise was Mr. Parson
Adams, Fanny and Joseph Andrews.
drinks and party with her friends while attempting to devour
the chastity of Joseph Andrews. When her husband died, Lust: Many of the characters in the novel are driven by lust,
she pretended to mourn for her husband but she plays card particularly Lady Booby, who desires Joseph and tries to

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 Vices and Virtues in Joseph Andrews by Henry Fielding

seduce him. Her maid, Mrs. Slipslop, is also presented as a Disloyalty: Peter Pounce is a disloyal character who will
lustful character (Fielding, 2001, pp. 43-68). switch sides and allegiances whenever it suits him. He is not
above betraying his friends or colleagues to get ahead.
Greed: Mr. Peter Pounce, a lawyer, is shown as a greedy
character who is willing to take advantage of others for his Arrogance: Peter Pounce is an arrogant character who
own financial gain. (Fielding, 2001, pp 200) thinks of himself as superior to others. He believes that he is
more intelligent and savvy than those around him and often
Hypocrisy: The character of Parson Adams, while generally
looks down on those who are not as well-educated or well-
virtuous, is also shown as a hypocrite at times, particularly
connected .
in his dealings with Joseph.
Parson Barnabas
Envy: Mrs. Slipslop is envious of Lady Booby’s attention
towards Joseph and tries to undermine Joseph’s relationship Parson Barnabas is a hypocritical and corrupt clergyman
with Lady Booby. who uses his position to enrich himself and take advantage of
others. He is depicted as a greedy and manipulative character
Mrs. Slipslop is a character in Henry Fielding’s novel “Joseph
who is not motivated by a desire to help others or do good
Andrews,” and she is portrayed as a woman of many vices.
works. (Fielding, 2001, p. 88)
(Fielding, 2001, p. 172) Some of the vices in her character
include: Mr. Wilson is a wealthy landowner in Henry Fielding’s
novel “Joseph Andrews”. He is portrayed as a lecherous and
Hypocrisy: Mrs. Slipslop is a hypocrite, and she pretends to
manipulative character who is primarily motivated by his
be pious and moral while engaging in immoral behavior. For
own desires. Some of the vices in his character include:
example, she pretends to be a virtuous woman while trying
to seduce Joseph. Lust: Mr. Wilson is a character who is primarily motivated by
his own sexual desires. He is known for making unwanted
Lust: Mrs. Slipslop is a sexually promiscuous character, and
advances towards both Fanny and Joseph, and is not above
she is often depicted as being driven by her sexual desires.
using his wealth and power to take advantage of others.
She tries to seduce Joseph and engages in sexual activity
with other characters in the novel. Deceitfulness: Mr. Wilson is a deceitful character who uses
lies and manipulation to get what he wants. He pretends to
Deceitfulness: Mrs. Slipslop is deceitful, and she uses lies
be interested in Fanny’s well-being in order to get close to
and manipulation to achieve her goals. She tells lies to Lady
her, and later tries to blackmail Joseph into giving up Fanny.
Booby about Joseph and tries to turn her against him.
Arrogance: Mr. Wilson is an arrogant character who thinks of
Arrogance: Mrs. Slipslop is an arrogant character, and she
himself as superior to others. He believes that his wealth and
often looks down on others. She thinks of herself as superior
status make him more important than those around him and
to the other servants and believes that she is entitled to more
is not above using his power to bully others.
privileges than them.
Immorality: Mr. Wilson is an immoral character who engages
Jealousy: Mrs. Slipslop is jealous of Fanny, Joseph’s love
in various forms of vice. For example, he is known to frequent
interest, and she tries to sabotage their relationship. She is
brothels and is not above taking advantage of women for his
envious of Fanny’s beauty and tries to discredit her in front
own pleasure.Top of Form
of Lady Booby.
Peter Pounce is a character in Henry Fielding’s novel “Joseph
Virtues
Andrews”. He is portrayed as a cunning and manipulative The eponymous character, Joseph Andrews, is a virtuous
character who is primarily motivated by self-interest. . and honourable young man who faces many trials and
(Fielding, 2001, p. 180) .Some of the vices in his character tribulations on his journey to find his place in the world
include: (Fielding, p 16). Here are some of the virtues displayed by
Joseph Andrews in the novel:
Deceitfulness: Peter Pounce is a deceitful character who uses
lies and manipulation to achieve his goals. He is a lawyer who Honesty: Joseph Andrews is honest and straightforward
takes advantage of the legal system to enrich himself and is in all his dealings. He refuses to lie or deceive others, even
not above using underhanded tactics to get what he wants. when it would be to his advantage to do so.
Greed: Peter Pounce is a character who is primarily motivated Kindness: Joseph Andrews is kind and compassionate, always
by greed. He is always looking for ways to make money and is willing to help those in need. He goes out of his way to help
willing to take advantage of anyone to do so. his fellow travellers on the road, and he shows kindness and
respect to all he meets.
Immorality: Peter Pounce is an immoral character who
engages in various forms of vice. For example, he is known Courage: Joseph Andrews displays courage in the face of
to frequent brothels and is not above taking advantage of danger and adversity. He is not afraid to stand up for what he
women for his own pleasure. believes in, even when it puts him in harm’s way.

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 Vices and Virtues in Joseph Andrews by Henry Fielding

Humility: Joseph Andrews is a humble man who does not always stand up for what he believes in, even in the face of
seek glory or fame. He is content to live a simple life and opposition.
work hard to earn his keep. Humility: Parson Adams is a humble man who does not seek
Chastity: Joseph Andrews is a chaste and virtuous young attention or praise. He is content to live a simple life and does
man who resists the advances of women who would lead him not desire wealth or power.
astray. He remains loyal to his fiancée, Fanny, even when it is Forgiveness: Parson Adams is a forgiving person who is able
difficult to do so. to see the good in others, even when they have wronged him.
Forgiveness: Joseph Andrews is a forgiving man who is able He is always willing to give others a second chance and is
to see the good in others, even when they have wronged him. quick to forgive those who have treated him poorly.
He forgives those who have treated him poorly and is always Faith: Parson Adams is a man of deep faith who is committed
willing to give others a second chance. to his religious beliefs. He is a dedicated clergyman who
Fanny is a virtuous and kind-hearted young woman who seeks to help others find meaning and purpose in their lives
possesses many admirable qualities. Here are some of the through the teachings of the church.
virtues displayed by Fanny Goodwill in the novel: Betty the servant
Patience: Fanny displays remarkable patience throughout Betty is a loyal and trustworthy servant who is devoted to
the novel. She is often mistreated and subjected to various her mistress, Lady Booby. She remains steadfast in her duty
hardships, but she remains calm and composed, never losing despite the mistreatment she receives from her mistress
her temper or becoming resentful. (Fielding, 201, p. 219)
Compassion: Fanny is a deeply compassionate person who Wilson is a coachman who demonstrates courage and
cares for the well-being of others. She is kind and sympathetic kindness by helping Joseph and Parson Adams on their
to those who are suffering, and she goes out of her way to journey. He risks his own safety to protect them from harm.
help those in need. (Fielding, 2001, p. 160).

Humility: Fanny is a humble young woman who does not seek Parson Adams brother is a pious and kind-hearted man
attention or recognition. She is content to live a simple life who shares many of his brother’s virtues, including honesty,
and does not desire material possessions or social status. humility, and forgiveness.

Loyalty: Fanny is fiercely loyal to Joseph Andrews, her fiancé. Conclusion

She remains faithful to him throughout the novel, even in the In conclusion, Joseph Andrews is a novel that offers a complex
face of great adversity and temptation. exploration of vices and virtues. The characters in the novel
Forgiveness: Fanny is a forgiving person who is able to look are flawed and imperfect, but they strive to lead a virtuous
life despite the temptations and challenges they face. At the
past the faults and mistakes of others. She forgives those
same time, the novel is a critique of the societal vices of the
who have wronged her and is always willing to give others
time, such as greed, envy, and lust.
a second chance.
By studying vices and virtues in Joseph Andrews, readers
Selflessness: Fanny is a selfless person who puts the needs
can gain insight into the cultural and social values of the 18th
of others before her own. She is always willing to make
century, as well as the complexities of human behaviour and
sacrifices for the sake of others and does not seek personal
motivation. The study of vices and virtues in the novel can
gain or advancement.
also help readers develop critical thinking and analytical
Parson Adams is a virtuous and well-meaning clergyman skills, ethical and moral reasoning, and empathy and
who possesses many admirable qualities (Fielding, 2001, p. compassion for others. Overall, the examination of vices
12). Here are some of the virtues displayed by Parson Adams and virtues in Joseph Andrews offers a rich and nuanced
in the novel: exploration of the human condition, and can provide readers
with valuable lessons and insights that are applicable to a
Kindness: Parson Adams is a kind and compassionate man range of contexts.
who is always willing to help others. He goes out of his way
to assist those in need, and he treats everyone he meets with References
respect and consideration. 1. “Joseph Andrews essays.” N.p., n.d. Web. 18 Feb. 2023
Generosity: Parson Adams is a generous person who gives <https://www.megaessays.com/viewpaper/89118.
freely of his time and resources. He is not interested in html>.
material possessions and is happy to share what he has with 2. “Henry Fielding’s Joseph Andrews: A Classic Journey
others. into the Souls ....” N.p., n.d. Web. 18 Feb. 2023
Honesty: Parson Adams is an honest man who values truth 3. Backscheider, Paula R. “Henry Fielding and the Rise of
and integrity. He is not afraid to speak his mind and will the Novel.” Twayne Publishers, 1993.

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 Vices and Virtues in Joseph Andrews by Henry Fielding

4. Duncan, Ian. “Henry Fielding: Joseph Andrews.” 6. Cauthen, I. B. “Fielding’s Digressions in Joseph
Landmarks of World Literature, Cambridge University Andrews.” College English 17.7 (1956): 379-382.
Press, 2002.
7. Battestin, Martin C. Henry Fielding: a life. Ardent Media,
5. Fielding, Henry. The History of the Adventures of Joseph 1993.
Andrews and of His Friend Mr. Abraham Adams: And, An
8. Fielding, Henry. The Works of Henry Fielding. Vol. 11. JD
Apology for the Life of Mrs. Shamela Andrews. Oxford
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Citation: Manpreet Kaur, Dr. Sanjay Prasad, “Vices and Virtues in Joseph Andrews by Henry Fielding”, American
Research Journal of Humanities and Social sciences, Vol 9, no. 1, 2023, pp. 69-72.
Copyright © 2023 Manpreet Kaur, Dr. Sanjay Prasad, This is an open access article distributed under the Creative
Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium,
provided the original work is properly cited.

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