Joseph’s journey takes him away from the city and to the country. By leaving London, he also leaves behind several temptations, such as flirtations from Lady Booby and Mrs. Slipslop, while moving closer to Fanny and the simple life he desires with her. Fielding represents the city as a place of temptation and pleasure, and the country as a place of contentment.

This juxtaposition of city and country life is strongly demonstrated in the story of Mr. Wilson. He leaves his country home to pursue status and pleasure in the city, but he eventually finds that the friends, money, and skills he acquires are transient and valueless. He finds true happiness in his simple country life with his wife and children.

While not every character in the country or traveling to the country lives in contentment, Fielding’s use of these contrasting settings teaches readers to prefer simple country life over the city’s bustle, as virtue is more easily forfeited in the city and upheld in the country.

Books repeatedly symbolize education and social status. Upper-class people are more educated than those of the lower class. Consequently, several characters use literature to measure their own social status against another’s.