Joseph Andrews Manipulation Quotes

How we cite our quotes: (Volume.Chapter.Paragraph)

Quote #1

[…] Have you so much more sense and so much more virtue than you handsome young fellow generally have, who make no scruple of sacrificing our dear reputation to your pride, without considering the great obligation we lay on you, by our condescension and confidence? (1.5.1)

Lady Booby is laying it on thick. She's casting herself as the vulnerable one, when it's the opposite that's true. Why doesn't she care about what Joseph wants? Is it because he's just a footman? Or does she assume that just because he's a guy, he's totally down with getting nasty with her?

Quote #2

Don't you? said she, then you are either a fool or pretend to be so. (1.5.1)

Joseph may very well be pretending to be a fool in order to save his own hide. It's often pretty hard to tell in this novel.

Quote #3

Sure nothing can be a more simple contract in a woman, than to place her affections on a boy. (1.6.7)

Mrs. Slipslop's manipulation tactics are ten times more confusing than Lady Booby's because of the pretentious jargon she uses. What on earth is a "contract in a woman"? Does Slipslop herself even know?