Social Values In The Novel Joseph Andrews And Shamela

In the 1700s in England, traditional societal roles and values were very clear. They were solely based on the social class one was born into. In the novel Joseph Andrews and Shamela, however, author Henry Fielding challenged those values. He did so through satirical literature, which was intended to result in change for the greater good. Fielding criticized those who prized themselves on their social standing, and introduced the values that he considered important. Instead of focusing on social classes and what way you are born into society, Fielding emphasized the importance of who you are as a person. He believed the most important values in society are chastity, honorability, and charity. Un-coincidentally, all of these values have nothing …show more content…
Joseph does not succumb to the pressures from women like Mrs. Slipslop and Lady Booby, who try to seduce and rid him of his virtue. “His morals remained entirely uncorrupted, tho’ he was at the same time Smarter and genteeler, than any of the Beaus in Town, either in or out of Livery.” (68). He is able to resist these temptations not only in the countryside, but also in London, a city where the average person would lose his way. Mr. Abraham Adams, the local parson, is another character Fielding uses to highlight the importance of chastity throughout the entire novel. Fielding depicted this character as naive and innocent. “He was generous, friendly, and Brace to excess, but simplicity was His characteristic” (65). Adams offered counseling and advice to young Joseph as he prepared to marry his lover, Fanny Goodwill. His advice always preached the importance of chastity, telling Joseph to keep his intentions with Fanny …show more content…
Adams) to let them stay in his mansion, and that he would provide them with his coach and six to assist them in their travels. But alas, he did not honor his word, just as the sportsman did not. The three were informed the next morning that the squire had fled, without fulfilling his promise. Fielding intentionally introduced a second character to illustrate people of this nature because of how important he thought honorability truly was. The third and final value that Henry Fielding considered important in English society is charity. Two characters introduced in the novel that were charitable were Betty, the maid at an inn, and the pedlar. After Joseph had been brutally robbed and nearly murdered, Betty was the only one who showed him compassion when he stumbled upon her inn.
“Joseph desired paper and pens to write a letter, but they were refused him; and he was advised to use all his endeavours to compose himself. They then left him and Mr. Tow-wouse sent to la clergyman to come and administer his good offices to the soul of poor Joseph, since the surgeon despaired of making any successful applications to his body.”