How can one assume, with all this greatness heaped upon "our hero's" head, that Jonathan Wild is anything but a gracious, honorable, and tender lover? For him, even the most chaste of lovely creatures greets him in a loose state of undress. Yet, as is the wont of pure creatures, Laetitia Snap refuses our great man's advances refuses his promises. What can a brave, noble conqueror do but try to force his will upon his presumed territory? At least he is courteous enough to "never [offer] any Violence to a young Lady without the most earnest Promises of" marriage (29-30). This is a man of decency!!
Honestly, I needed to read this part of Book I: Chapter IX a few times to be sure of what was happening. Thieving and peaching and cheating at cards is one thing, but attempting rape is another. Was he trying to rape her, or was he simply becoming violent? Is violently-enforced marriage a type of rape? What kind of jerk assumes the promise of marriage will get him the good stuff (besides the Elder Brother)?
These are the sensibilities of a 21st Century female, however, and not those of an 18th Century maid. Laetitia's body, specifically her hand, has a monetary value to be won, and in this way may be just another heist of Wild's affinity. Laetitia is another conquest with a seemingly easy obstacle, and he need not worry about sharing the booty.
I am still a bit uncertain of Wild's true purpose in attacking Laetitia. Was it just the "violent passion" of love, or an attempt at forcing a marital financial gain? I'm inclined to believe the latter, as the mere scratching of his face was enough to put him off. After all, it would be a great joy to win a witty woman and her fortune too. But Laetitia is more engaged by a flamboyant fop, who, just like the upper class, gets the booty by simply being his pompous self. Though I'm sure the enormous buckles on his shoes aren't compensating for anything.
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