The History of the Adventures of Joseph Andrews and of His Friend Mr. Abraham Adams

Protagonist Joseph Andrews is a model of Christian virtue and charity. Despite his low social status as a footman, he appears and behaves like a gentleman. He is handsome, with brown hair and dark eyes “as full of sweetness as of fire” (32). His build is perfectly balanced, possessing “all the symptoms of strength without the least clumsiness” (32). Throughout the novel he attracts the affections of multiple women, including Lady Booby, Mrs. Slipslop, Betty the chambermaid, and his sweetheart Fanny Goodwill.

To match his pleasing exterior, Joseph possesses a pure heart, evidenced by his loyalty, wisdom, and commitment to chastity. Motivated by his love for Fanny, he refuses several sexual opportunities, defends Fanny bravely against several attackers, and even risks his close relationship with his sister Pamela to remain faithful to Fanny. Joseph is equally kind in his friendship with Adams, demonstrating his wisdom without invalidating the parson’s strong opinions. Joseph’s morality remains unchanged despite many opportunities in which he could have acted on lust or greed for a better social status. Joseph proves that a noble title is not necessary to be a noble person.