By the end, the novel has reduced these down to the essentials: "a set of enduring values " benevolence of spirit, clarity of understanding and integrity of action, faithfulness to friends, family, and ideals, love and its redemptive power "that serve to focus the moral vision promoted in the novel as a whole."" The reader learns that the social hostilities and conflicts pale in comparison to the consistent traits of human goodness. Thus, Smollett depicts a troubled and inconsistent society while highlighting the ability the common bond of humanity to supercede differences and unite the human race. .
Smollett uses an epistolary approach to compose his satire, effectively relaying his message to the public regarding the state of society. In doing so, he gives us insight not only to the experiences of his characters, but to their personal thoughts and feelings. Thus, we see firsthand their conflicting internal opinions, as well as their differing approaches to presiding social issues. Dr John Moore, one of Smollett's early commentators and editors, points out that, "In Humphry Clinker he hardly attempts any story; it is a mere vehicle for characters and remarks on life and manners."" Instead of riddling the story with action and adventures, Smollett chooses to highlight the opinions and internal attitudes of his characters through their letters. The reader "receives all of their letters and is obliged to put together the fragments of the narrative " the letters themselves, in all their variety of voices and sensibilities " so as to grasp the novel's overriding, comprehensive conception of moral and social reality."" Thus, in order to fully understand the message that Smollett attempts to convey, his audience must examine the warring thoughts of his characters. From this, the reader can understand the inconsistency of humanity while simultaneously bearing witness to the concealed goodness within every man.
