Virtue and Vice

Throughout Fielding's narratives and essays, virtue and vice are a prevalent theme, especially in relation to the disguises that vice can assume to prevent its detection. In "Joseph Andrews", this theme is introduced immediately through Lady Booby's attempt to seduce Joseph. While he maintains his chastity because of his virtuous nature, Lady Booby is concerned with her reputation rather than her vicious attempts. The same character flaw is seen in Mrs. Slipslop. Throughout this novel, Joseph encounters many characters who hide their vice, such as Barnabas, Mrs. Tow-wouse and Peter Pounce, among numerous others. In contrast, few characters in this narrative exhibit virtuous characteristics. Besides Joseph, there is Parson Adams, Fanny, Mr. Wilson, the peddler and a few others. The significance of this is Fielding's claim that vice is concerned with concealing its true identity; this is seen repeatedly during Joseph's journey as immoral characters attempt...