Hypocrisy results from basic human selfishness. In pursuit of social status, reputation, and self-preservation, both high-class and low-class people are pretentious, pretending to be one type of person on the outside when they are quite different on the inside. Henry Fielding contrasts hypocritical characters (such as Lady Booby, Mrs. Slipslop, and the partridge hunter) with genuine characters (such as Joseph and Fanny) to teach the reader the downfalls of pretension and the blessings of genuineness.

The Augustan Age of English literature, in which the novel was written, valued learning through the observation of human nature. Fielding uses satire, a popular literary tool of the day, to highlight the characters’ hypocritical nature and educate readers about human behavior. By demonstrating the pitfalls of hypocrisy as well as the providential rewards of authenticity, Fielding shows the reader what type of person to be and what kind of behavior to emulate. Lady Booby is in constant conflict between her desire for Joseph and her pride in her reputation. She attempts to cover up her lustful and manipulative intentions, which only causes her further heartache and turmoil. In contrast, Joseph’s feelings for Fanny are constant and true.