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

“[F]or to discover any one to be the exact reverse of what he affects, is more surprising, and consequently more ridiculous, than to find him a little deficient in the quality he desires the reputation of.”

Creating hypocritical characters rather than simply vain characters is a more effective and entertaining way to instruct readers in morality. Fielding is indicating that he will use satire to expose hypocrisy and teach valuable lessons in his novel.

“It is a trite but true observation, that examples work more forcibly on the mind than precepts: and if this be just in what is odious and blameable, it is more strongly so in what is amiable and praiseworthy.” 

The idea of learning about human nature through observation was a defining element of Augustan-era English literature. The characters in Fielding’s novel are examples for readers to examine and evaluate. Rather than writing out a list of what to do and what to avoid, Fielding instructs through story, so that the reader can learn from observation.

“He was, besides, a man of good sense, good parts, and good nature; but was at the same time as entirely ignorant of the ways of this world as an infant just entered into it could possibly be.”

Abraham Adams is perhaps the most complex and realistic of all the novel’s characters. While he is virtuous and loyal, he is also absent-minded and lacking in worldly wisdom. His ignorance often leads to hilarity while also proving him to be fully human and prone to mistakes.