Section 10: Related Writings Summary

In "Essay on Reputation", March 4, 1739, Fielding claims that it is hard to distinguish virtue and wisdom from folly and vice as the latter are industrious with disguise. Virtue is quiet while vice is boisterous and true merit is studious to deserve rather than acquire praise, while the contrary character is concerned only with the reputation of virtue. In "Essay on Good Nature", March 27, 1740, good nature delights in mankind's happiness and is concerned at his misery. It is folly to repine at the punishment of vice. Each good-natured man will try to contribute to the happiness of every individual, but ill nature fetters and harasses mankind. A good-natured man never carries enjoyments too far because this is the only affectation of the human mind that can never be sated. In "The Apology for the Clergy", March 29, 1740, some people draw an...