Moll Flanders · Chapter
Moll Flanders explained
Moll reflects on the trial and transportation of a woman wrongly accused of theft due to her own actions, and describes her subsequent return to thievery in men's clothes before abandoning the disguise.
What happens
Moll reflects on the trial and transportation of a woman wrongly accused of theft due to her own actions, and describes her subsequent return to thievery in men's clothes before abandoning the disguise. She recounts a near-fatal accident during a fire, then shifts to a discussion of marriage markets and women's limited agency, advising a young lady on how to handle a suitor's insult. Finally, she laments her lack of guidance and considers moving north after a neighbor's tempting description of cheap living.
Themes in this chapter
Gender and Women's Agency
Moll discusses women's limited power in courtship and marriage, and advises a young lady on how to assert herself against a presumptuous suitor.
Crime and Repentance
Moll feels troubled by the woman transported for her crime, yet prioritizes self-preservation, and continues her thieving adventures.
Characters to notice
- Moll Flanders
Narrator; reflects on her role in the wrongful conviction of a woman, resumes thievery, and advises a young lady on marriage negotiations.
- The Governess
Proposes Moll disguise herself in men's clothes to avoid detection.
Key passages
“I considered that I began to be very well known by name at the Old Bailey, though they did not know my face, and that if I should fall into their hands, I should be treated as an old offender”
Moll fears being recognized by name at court, even though her face isn't known, and worries she'd be punished as a repeat criminal.
Moll's awareness of her notoriety and the risk of harsh sentencing.
“the men made no scruple to set themselves out, and to go a-fortunehunting, as they call it, when they had really no fortune themselves to demand it, or merit to deserve it”
Men openly pursued wealthy women without having any wealth or merit of their own.
Moll criticizes the hypocrisy of fortune-hunting men.
“if a woman has no friend to communicate her affairs to, and to advise and assist her, 'tis ten to one but she is undone”
A woman without a trusted advisor is very likely to be ruined.
Moll laments her own lack of guidance after losing money to a failing goldsmith.