"The Adventures of Roderick Random" offers a vivid tapestry of settings that mirror the complexities and contradictions of 18th-century society. From the pastoral landscapes of Scotland to the chaotic streets of London, each location serves as more than just a backdrop; it functions as a character in its own right, shaping the trajectory of Roderick's journey. The novel's settings reflect both personal and social dynamics, with each place presenting its own challenges and opportunities.

Scotland

The narrative begins in Scotland, Roderick's birthplace, depicted with an air of nostalgia and grandeur. Although the descriptions are sparse, the implication is clear: Roderick’s home, owned by his grandfather, is one of affluence, offering an idyllic childhood that turns sour due to familial discord. This once-harmonious setting becomes a symbol of loss and redemption, as Roderick’s journey ultimately circles back to this place, now laden with triumph rather than tragedy.

London

London is portrayed as a bustling metropolis rife with contradiction, where Roderick's initial experiences are chaotic and disorienting. The city emerges as a dark and foreboding labyrinth, characterized by poverty, filth, and moral decay. Smollett's depiction of London's lower classes offers a critical, albeit harsh, view of the social hierarchy: they are both victims and perpetrators of violence and deceit. Despite his disdain for being treated as part of the lower class, Roderick is not above exploiting his peers, highlighting the complex interplay of class and morality.

Within this urban setting, institutions like Marshalsea prison underscore the systemic inequalities prevalent in London. Roderick’s imprisonment reveals the stark reality faced by debtors, yet hints at the potential for comfort through wealth, as money can buy privacy even in the most dismal conditions. The coffeehouses provide a slightly more genial atmosphere, yet they remain exclusive and unforgiving, revealing London's unyielding social stratification.

Bath

In contrast, Bath offers a glimpse of ostentatious leisure. This resort city is portrayed as a stage for the social elite, where ballrooms and gamerooms become arenas of superficiality and pretension. The atmosphere is one of superficial glamour, where individuals parade their status and wealth, embodying the period's social excesses.

Ships

Ships in "The Adventures of Roderick Random" serve as microcosms of society, with their own hierarchies and struggles. The conditions on board are dire—crowded, unsanitary, and hierarchical, reflecting broader social structures. Despite the significant plot point of a slaving voyage, the narrative provides little insight into the enslaved individuals' experiences, instead using the voyage as a mere vehicle for advancing Roderick’s fortunes. This passing reference leaves the moral questions largely unexplored, suggesting either a lack of knowledge or a deliberate narrative choice to focus elsewhere.

Cartagena

Finally, Cartagena is depicted as a site of military conflict, its strategic defenses intricately detailed to convey the tumult of battle. The city stands as a testament to colonial enterprise and the futility of war, with English commanders floundering amid fortifications, redoubts, and cannon fire. The chaotic encounters here reflect not only the military ineptitude but also the broader themes of ambition and failure that permeate Roderick’s adventures.