Joseph Andrews Ending Explained: What Happened and Why?
Complete breakdown of the climax, final twists, and spoilers for Joseph Andrews.
Joseph Andrews Ending Explained: Lady Booby alias 'Belle', the lively wife of the fat landed squire Sir Thomas Booby, has a lusty eye on the attractive, intelligent villager Joseph Andrews, a Latin pupil and protégé of parson Adams, and makes him their footman. Directed by Tony Richardson, this 1977 romance film stars Ann-Margret (Lady Booby alias "Belle"), alongside Peter Firth as Joseph Andrews, Michael Hordern as Parson Adams, Beryl Reid as Mrs. Slipslop. Rated 5.2/10, the conclusion has sparked discussion among viewers.
What Happens at the End of Joseph Andrews?
Lady Booby alias 'Belle', the lively wife of the fat landed squire Sir Thomas Booby, has a lusty eye on the attractive, intelligent villager Joseph Andrews, a Latin pupil and protégé of parson Adams, and makes him their footman. Joseph's heart belongs to a country girl, foundling Fanny Goodwill, but his masters take him on a fashionable trip to Bath, where the spoiled society comes mainly to see and be seen, but drowns in the famous Roman baths. When the all but grieving lady finds Joseph's Christian virtue and true love resist her lusting passes just as well as the many ladies who fancy her footman, she fires the boy. He's found and nursed by an innkeeper's maid, which stirs lusts there, again besides his honorable conduct, but is found by the good parson.
Tony Richardson's narrative builds toward a resolution centered on Ann-Margret (Lady Booby alias "Belle")'s journey. Joseph's heart belongs to a country girl, foundling Fanny Goodwill, but his masters take him on a fashionable trip to Bath, where the spoiled society comes mainly to see and be seen, but drowns in the famous Roman baths.
How Does Ann-Margret (Lady Booby alias "Belle")'s Story End?
- Ann-Margret: Ann-Margret's storyline wraps up in the final act, though some viewers have found the resolution more ambiguous than expected.
- Peter Firth (Joseph Andrews): Peter Firth's role in the climax proves pivotal to how the central conflict resolves.
- Michael Hordern (Parson Adams): Michael Hordern's character undergoes a significant shift in the final act.
What Does the Ending of Joseph Andrews Mean?
The ending of Joseph Andrews brings the narrative to a close, though viewer reception has been mixed. The resolution of Ann-Margret's story may not satisfy all audiences.