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Book 3, Chapter 12
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
In their coach, Abraham Adams and Peter Pounce talk. Peter says it’s a nice countryside. Adams would agree if he hadn’t just traveled over the Downs, which is the nicest place he’s ever been. They argue, and it escalates into a debate about the nature of good and evil. Adams gets offended and decides he’d rather walk.
Peter Pounce is just trying to make small talk, but Adams takes things to extremes and starts an argument so intense that it causes a rift between the two men. Adams tendency to start verbal arguments mirrors his tendency to start physical fights.
Themes
