Joseph Andrews

Joseph Andrews

by

Henry Fielding

Teachers and parents! Our Teacher Edition on Joseph Andrews makes teaching easy.

The Pedlar Character Analysis

The pedlar is a seemingly minor character who ends up playing a large role near the end of the novel. He first appears at an inn to lend Abraham Adams money to pay off his debt he owes at an inn, even though the pedlar himself is very poor. Later, he happens by chance to save Adams’s son Dick from drowning. He then tells a story that helps everyone realize that Joseph Andrews is actually the son of Mr. Wilson, and that Fanny is actually the daughter of Gaffar and Gammar. This raises both Joseph’s and Fanny’s social statuses, paving the way for their marriage. The pedlar represents how the poorest people are often the most generous, while also perhaps providing a parody of contrived plot twists where characters suddenly receive a great fortune.

The Pedlar Quotes in Joseph Andrews

The Joseph Andrews quotes below are all either spoken by The Pedlar or refer to The Pedlar. For each quote, you can also see the other characters and themes related to it (each theme is indicated by its own dot and icon, like this one:
Hypocrisy Theme Icon
).
Book 4, Chapter 8 Quotes

“Now, believe me, no Christian ought so to set his heart on any person or thing in this world, but that, whenever it shall be required or taken from him in any manner by Divine Providence, he may be able, peaceably, quietly, and contentedly to resign it.” At which words one came hastily in, and acquainted Mr Adams that his youngest son was drowned.

Related Characters: Abraham Adams (speaker), Joseph Andrews, The Pedlar, Dick
Page Number: 303
Explanation and Analysis:
Book 4, Chapter 15 Quotes

“Yes, he had as fine a strawberry as ever grew in a garden.” This Joseph acknowledged, and, unbuttoning his coat, at the intercession of the company, showed to them.

Related Characters: Gaffar and Gammar Andrews (speaker), Joseph Andrews, Abraham Adams, The Pedlar, Wilson, Dick
Related Symbols: Strawberry Mark
Page Number: 328
Explanation and Analysis:
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The Pedlar Quotes in Joseph Andrews

The Joseph Andrews quotes below are all either spoken by The Pedlar or refer to The Pedlar. For each quote, you can also see the other characters and themes related to it (each theme is indicated by its own dot and icon, like this one:
Hypocrisy Theme Icon
).
Book 4, Chapter 8 Quotes

“Now, believe me, no Christian ought so to set his heart on any person or thing in this world, but that, whenever it shall be required or taken from him in any manner by Divine Providence, he may be able, peaceably, quietly, and contentedly to resign it.” At which words one came hastily in, and acquainted Mr Adams that his youngest son was drowned.

Related Characters: Abraham Adams (speaker), Joseph Andrews, The Pedlar, Dick
Page Number: 303
Explanation and Analysis:
Book 4, Chapter 15 Quotes

“Yes, he had as fine a strawberry as ever grew in a garden.” This Joseph acknowledged, and, unbuttoning his coat, at the intercession of the company, showed to them.

Related Characters: Gaffar and Gammar Andrews (speaker), Joseph Andrews, Abraham Adams, The Pedlar, Wilson, Dick
Related Symbols: Strawberry Mark
Page Number: 328
Explanation and Analysis: