Comparing Hogarth's 'Industry And Idleness'

In Industry and Idleness, Hogarth illustrates the positive connotations of work ethics and personal relations. He points out that hard work and dedication might not be enough, but rather personal connections might be the key to success. In his work, Hogarth shows the life of Tom Idle and Francis Goodchild, two individuals who started out as apprentices, but their life choices and personal relations determined their path. Goodchild becomes an industrious apprentice and succeeds in life, while Idle is restrained by his lack of aspirations and lazy persona. Both apprentices have the same opportunity to succeed, however, their personal interests, relations, aspirations, and work ethic impact their life path. In the second plate of Industry and Idleness, Francis

After marrying Mr. West’s daughter, Goodchild utilizes his new connections to progress in life. His pleasant expression while working and interacting with other people suggest that he finds great pleasure in the activities he indulges. Goodchild’s might seem selfish, but he works hard for all the things accomplishes. Goodchild is a role model of the 18th-century perfect boy, but this imagine is questionable once he gains power. However, Goodchild can’t fix a society that is already broken and this consumes him. Hogarth demonstrates that virtues are not linked to personal behavior. In plate VIII, Francis Goodchild and his wife attempt a banquet prepared for him and his guest to celebrate his new position as alderman of London. The guests are people from the high hierarchy of London, they own slaves and appear to have a plump physique. The display of extravagance and food shows that Goodchild is not financially unstable anymore. Francis succeeds in life because he worked hard and he is determined to become somebody. Hogarth demonstrates that there is a direct correlation between determination, personal relations, and