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Book 4, Chapter 8
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
Lady Booby hears from a visitor named Beau Didapper about a beautiful young lady nearby and knows that it must be Fanny. She proposes that they all go on a walk in the evening, and she leads them to Abraham Adams’s house. She says the parson is an amusingly ragged person who feeds six children on a very small salary, so Mr. Didapper knocks on the door to see for himself. Adams and Mrs. Adams appear, with the latter apologizing for their house’s appearance.
Beau Didapper is the man who tried to ravish Fanny on the road earlier (with the help of his servant). A didapper is a type of small bird that is famous for ducking itself underwater, and as a result, “didapper” can also be an insult to refer to a scoundrel, particularly one who comes and goes. Beau Didapper's name reflects his capricious personality.
Themes
Beau Didapper is four feet five inches tall. He doesn’t wear a wig, but he has so little hair that he probably should. He has a brain that matches well with his body. Inside, Mrs. Adams pleads with everyone to take a seat and be comfortable. Lady Booby compliments their family. Abraham Adams indicates how his youngest son, Dick, can already speak some Latin. He asks Dick to read for Lady Booby.
Beau Didapper’s unimpressive physical appearance and lack of intelligence suggest that even wealth and nobility are not enough to counterbalance some flaws. Characters like Beau Didapper suggest that the upper class don’t earn their higher positions, and in fact, often don’t deserve them.
Themes
