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Book 3, Chapter 4
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
Back on the road, Abraham Adams and Joseph Andrews argue about Wilson’s life. Adams has a sudden revelation that all of Wilson’s problems come from his youth and the fact that he went to a public school. Joseph, however, argues that Sir Thomas Booby went to public school and turned out very well. Adams nevertheless prefers private schools.
“Public school” in the UK means something very different than in the U.S. and often refers to schools that are expensive and prestigious instead of free. This is why the wealthy Sir Thomas Booby went to a “public school.” Adams likely prefers private schools because they often have a religious affiliation.
Themes
Abraham Adams, Joseph Andrews, and Fanny come to a nice spot by some woods and stop to rest. They are pleasantly surprised to find that Wilson has packed a little gold in with their lunch.
The gold that Wilson packs reflects his truly generous nature. It also calls back to the little piece of gold that Joseph kept on him after he was robbed in the first book.
Themes
