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2.5 

Joseph Andrews

By Henry Fielding
Joseph Andrews by Henry Fielding digital book - Fable

Publisher Description

English Literature boasts three comic worthies - three great creations that will live for ever. Parson Adams, who bestrides Joseph Andrews like a colossus, is of the same company, the favourite of every reader who encounters him in these picaresque pages.

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86 Reviews

2.5
Thumbs Up“Novel Review: Joseph Andrews by Henry Fielding Henry Fielding’s Joseph Andrews (1742) is a delightful blend of humor, social commentary, and narrative ingenuity, firmly establishing itself as one of the earliest English novels. With its satirical take on societal norms and human folly, the novel brilliantly showcases Fielding's wit and moral vision. Plot and Themes: The novel follows Joseph Andrews, a virtuous and handsome young footman, who embarks on a journey home after being dismissed by his employer, Lady Booby, for rejecting her amorous advances. Accompanied by his loyal companion, Parson Adams, Joseph encounters a series of comical, often ridiculous, adventures that highlight the hypocrisy, greed, and pretensions of 18th-century English society. Through these episodic events, Fielding explores themes such as virtue, charity, and human nature. Joseph’s steadfast morality and Parson Adams’ naïve yet principled character stand in stark contrast to the selfishness and corruption of other figures they encounter. Style and Satire: Fielding’s narrative style is rich with irony and humor. As a parody of Samuel Richardson’s Pamela, Joseph Andrews subverts the sentimental and moralizing tendencies of its predecessor. Fielding uses comic episodes and exaggerated characters to ridicule social institutions and the vanity of the upper class. Yet, his satire never feels malicious; instead, it serves as a tool to promote compassion and integrity. Characterization: Fielding’s characters are wonderfully drawn and deeply human. Joseph, though virtuous, is not without flaws, making him relatable. Parson Adams, the heart of the novel, provides much of its charm and humor. His eccentricity and unwavering belief in goodness make him one of the most memorable characters in English literature. Significance: As one of the first examples of the comic epic in prose, Joseph Andrews was groundbreaking in its time. Fielding’s innovative approach to storytelling, blending elements of picaresque novels and classical epic traditions, paved the way for the development of the modern novel. Conclusion: Joseph Andrews is more than just an entertaining read; it is a sharp critique of human behavior wrapped in humor and warmth. With its lively characters, engaging narrative, and moral undertones, the novel continues to resonate with readers today. For anyone interested in the origins of the English novel or in timeless, light-hearted social commentary, Joseph Andrews is an essential read.”

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