How is Joseph Andrews a comic epic?
It is true that we can term “Joseph Andrews” as a ‘comic epic poem in prose’ because it has almost all the prerequisites that are important for labeling it as a ‘comic epic poem in prose’. Fielding himself termed it as a ‘comic epic poem in prose’ in the “Preface to Joseph Andrews”.
In what sense Joseph Andrews may be considered as a comic epic in prose?
Henry Fielding defines Joseph Andrews as a “comic epic-poem in prose” to emphasize that an epic can be written in prose, that this novel has epic qualities, and that humor can have a serious intent. He aims to distinguish his novel from lighter comedies, which he classifies as “burlesque.”
Why did Fielding define Joseph Andrews as a comic epic poem in prose?
Like Odysseus, Joseph Andrews after the displeasure of a lady, sets out on his way home and meets with many misfortunes on the way. So it would be fairly justified to call Joseph Andrews “ an epic of the highway full of adventures, horseplay and not too decent fun.”
What is a comic epic in prose discuss Tom Jones as a comic epic?
Thus comic epic in prose chiefly promises a variety of characters involved in a very comprehensive action. The novelist’s tone is light. He gives mildly satirical, ironical exposition of the ridiculous. It is epical in scale and it is comic since it concerns the ridiculous in human life.
Who called a comic epic in prose?
Henry Fielding
“Henry Fielding: The Comic Epic in Prose.”
Is Joseph Andrews a satire?
In brief, Joseph Andrews is a fine social document that represents an inclusive picture of the 18the century English society. The novel directs its satire not only against particular individuals but also against the follies and vices of the entire society.
What is the theme of novel Tom Jones?
The main theme of the novel is the contrast between Tom Jones’s good nature, flawed but eventually corrected by his love for virtuous Sophia Western, and his half-brother Blifil’s hypocrisy.
What is Joseph Andrews story?
The History of the Adventures of Joseph Andrews is a comic epic that follows the personal account of the affable young man Joseph and his faithful companion the Parson Adams. Through a series of misadventures, Fielding constructs an entertaining story that embodies all of the principles of the Augustan Age.
What is the plot of Tom Jones?
Tom Jones, like its predecessor, Joseph Andrews, is constructed around a romance plot. Squire Allworthy suspects that the infant whom he adopts and names Tom Jones is the illegitimate child of his servant Jenny Jones. When Tom is a young man, he falls in love with Sophia Western, his beautiful and virtuous neighbour.
Is “Joseph Andrews” a comic epic poem in prose?
It is true that we can term “Joseph Andrews” as a ‘comic epic poem in prose’ because it has almost all the prerequisites that are important for labeling it as a ‘comic epic poem in prose’. Fielding himself termed it as a ‘comic epic poem in prose’ in the “Preface to Joseph Andrews”.
What are some examples of epic conventions in Joseph Andrews?
Another epic convention is the use of digression. There are two major digressions in “Joseph Andrews”. There are, seemingly, irrelevant stories of Leonara and Mr. Wilson. Epic writers considered them as embellishments. Fielding, however, makes the interpolations thematically relevant. For, these are not irrelevant in reality.
Who is the hero of Joseph Andrews?
Unlike a heroic epic, the hero of “Joseph Andrews” is an ordinary boy. He is a foot-man of Lady Booby who has fallen in love with him. But Joseph is very innocent and virtuous. Therefore, he leaves the service of the Lady and goes to meet his beloved Fanny.
Why does Fielding use prose in the novel Joseph Andres?
But in “Joseph Andres” we see that Fielding has used prose for poetry because it brings us close to the real and actual life and it is much more suitable for Fielding’s purpose of dealing with human nature. However, his use of prose is very good, up to the mark and apt for his novel.