Peregrine is a young country gentleman who is rejected by his cruel mother, ignored by his indifferent father, and hated by his degenerate brother. After their alienation of affections, he turns to Commodore Hawser Trunnion, who raises and becomes attached to him. Peregrine's life experience, from his upbringing, education at Oxford, and journey to France, to his debauchery, bankruptcy, jailing at the Fleet, unexpected succeeding to the fortune of his father, and final repentance and marriage to his beloved Emilia, all provide scope for Smollett's satire on human cruelty, stupidity, and greed.