Themes
Key
LitCharts assigns a color and icon to each theme in Joseph Andrews, which you can use to track the themes throughout the work.
Hypocrisy
Lust vs. Chastity
Social Class
Religion and Charity
Summary
Analysis
Joseph Andrews accompanies Lady Booby on a trip to London. There he makes friends with other young footmen who try to encourage him to indulge in vices; while he does get a trendy new haircut, he spends most of his free time learning more about music. Lady Booby notices that he begins to be more spirited after spending time in the city.
Joseph Andrews refuses to indulge in the vices of the other footmen, revealing that he has a naturally innocent personality. This innocent quality makes him similar to his famous sister, Pamela, although in Joseph’s case, his naivete is sometimes played for humorous effect.
Themes
Some ladies happen to see Joseph Andrews walking arm-in-arm with Lady Booby, and they begin to gossip. Joseph, however, never does anything disrespectful that his lady won’t allow.
This passage foreshadows that Lady Booby might be interested in Joseph romantically, as more than just a servant. Joseph’s innocent nature prevents him from seeing this.
Themes
Literary Devices
