Throughout the novel, Smollett favorably contrasts rural with urban spaces; rural spaces are associated with health, simplicity, and moral virtue, while urban spaces are associated with sickness, corruption, vanity, and superficiality. This contrast reflects a long tradition of pastoral literature; dating back to Classical times, authors have often celebrated the simplicity and purity of country life. During travels to large towns and the metropolis of London, Matthew is often dissatisfied and even disgusted by the urban world around him; he complains about “every cause of offence that fills up the measure of my aversion to this, and every crowded city” (123). His distaste for urban life is heightened because he contrasts it with his home in the countryside, which he often portrays in idealized terms, establishing a juxtaposition between “town grievances, and my country comforts” (118).

However, while Matthew operates under the traditional assumption that the country is preferable to the city, the text also subtly challenges this assumption by showing other perspectives. Matthew is not entirely reliable, as his point of view is deeply shaped by his biases and preferences; he is also somewhat conservative and grumpy, and he tends to be suspicious of change and novelty.