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Chastity in Joseph Andrews Essay

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Henry Fielding's Joseph Andrews tries to make a comparison between those who are virtuous and those who are indulged in their lust. However, Fielding presents many examples about charity, chastity, virginity, and faith. Out of those chastity seems to be an important value through the character of Joseph.

Accordingly, Joseph appears as chaste and handsome. Because of his beauty, Joseph faces many trials of seduction. In book 1 chapter 8, Joseph is shown defending his virginity against Lady Booby. That is, when Lady Booby says, "Did ever mortal hear of a man's virtue?", Joseph replies, "That boy is the brother of Pamela and would be ashamed, that the chastity of his family, which is preserved in her,should be stained in him." Therefore, Joseph tries to preserve his chastity, and his defense of his chastity and virginity is a result of his love for Fanny whom he wishes to marry.

Besides, Joseph avoids women whom he does not love. In his opinion, such sexuality will be a misuse of love an an abuse to his love with Fanny. Throughout the novel, Joseph is shown as a man struggling for his chastity.That is, Joseph is always in struggle with those evil character who try to get him through deception, seduction, or rape. Therefore, Fielding tries to say the correct place for sexuality is a faithful marriage that forms the bases of love, faithfulness, and happiness.

In conclusion, Henry Fielding's Joseph Andrews asserts that sexuality outside marriage leads to unwanted children, exploitation, or a broken engagement. In addition, sexuality should be an expression of love, and that virginity should be preserved until marriage. In other words, although they feel strongly attracted to each other sexually, both Joseph and Fanny think that their salvation and eternal life depend on their faith in the teachings of the church.

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