18th-Century Literature: Exploring Virtue in Pamela and Joseph Andrews
Virtue in 18th-Century Literature: Pamela and Joseph Andrews
The Rise of Virtue and the Novel
The 18th century witnessed a significant shift in societal values and morality, impacting the development of the novel. A renewed interest in classical ideals and urban life coincided with the rise of sensibility in literature. This era transitioned from libertine themes to portrayals of proper, respectable behavior, introducing the figures of the proper lady and the sentimental hero/heroine. Mid-century saw a growing fascination with emotions and the “workings of the heart.” This focus on self-improvement and emotional understanding fueled the importance of virtue in literature.
Two key character types emerged: the man of feeling (virtuous, benevolent, and philanthropic) and the woman of feeling (virtuous through her emotions). This emphasis on virtue contributed to the development of the sentimental novel, notably with Samuel Richardson’s Pamela in 1740.
Virtue and Social Mobility in Pamela
Richardson’s Pamela, an epistolary novel and bildungsroman, showcases the importance of virtue. Pamela’s journey from maid to lady reflects the era’s focus on social mobility through virtuous conduct. The novel’s didactic nature suggests that virtue leads to success. Epistolary novels often explored social conflicts and rewarded virtue, reforming rakes through the power of female virtue. Pamela’s virtue, however, is portrayed with a sense of hypocrisy and calculation, as highlighted by her frequent claims of humility.
Pamela sparked debate about the true nature of virtue, particularly its association with chastity. This conflict divided writers into “Pamelists” and “Anti-Pamelists.” Richardson sought to portray perfect virtue, while Henry Fielding, a declared Anti-Pamelist, challenged this notion in his novels Shamela and Joseph Andrews.
Satire and Virtue in Joseph Andrews
Fielding’s Joseph Andrews, a comic epic poem in prose, satirizes societal hypocrisy and vanity. Fielding’s concept of virtue extends beyond chastity to encompass active charity, honesty, and genuine motives. Each character embodies an idea, and their actions carry moral lessons. Joseph represents innocence, Mr. Wilson generosity, and Parson Adams charity. The novel explores the theme of appearance versus reality, as seen with Joseph’s true social origins and Lady Booby’s hypocritical behavior.
Fielding uses interpolated tales to further explore virtue. Stories like Leonora’s or Leonard and Paul’s condemn vanity and lies, while Mr. Wilson’s story depicts a rake reformed by a virtuous woman.
Conclusion
Virtue was a central concern in 18th-century society, but its definition remained fluid. Writers like Richardson and Fielding explored this concept in their works, sparking debates and leaving behind literary masterpieces that reflect their unique perspectives on virtue and morality.