Joseph Andrews, written by Henry Fielding, is an amusing 18th-century novel, first published in 1742. The book is a satire of classical romance, though Fielding interweaves many important moral lessons, making this novel appeal to different types of readers. It has been seen by some as a precursor to the modern novel, and is the precursor to Fielding’s much better known and still widely read Tom Jones.
Joseph Andrews tells the story of the eponymous hero, who was originally a serving boy in the household of Lady Booby until he was fired for refusing the advances of the Lady Booby. He flees to London to make a new life for himself and is joined by his beloved Fanny Goodwill, who is the daughter of a clergyman. On their journey they encounter a series of characters and adventures, such as a highwayman, quacks, criminals, and gypsies. They also meet many characters who appear to try and help them along the way, such as Parson Adams and a great-hearted country squire called Abraham Adams.
Throughout his journey, Joseph remains a model of fortitude and virtue, withstanding every social and physical challenge. This is in marked contrast to the courtly love stories written in the previous century. As the novel progresses, Joseph is able to restore Fanny’s honour and reputation by extricating her from a compromising situation and revealed the identity of a villain.
Joseph’s journeys also provide an opportunity for Fielding to comment on a variety of virtues and vices in his characters. These include the differences in wealth and social station, the foolishness of duelling, the naivety of innocence and the follies of youth. Fielding also satirizes a number of institutions, such as the law and the nation’s obsession with money.
The subject matter of the novel is certainly humorous and much of it is also pointedly moral. Fielding’s unique interplay between wit and morality, as well as his ability to combine the serious with the ridiculous, has made his writing both highly entertaining and thought provoking. As a result, Joseph Andrews has become one of the most widely read and appreciated books of the English language, and a must-read for anybody interested in 18th-century literature.
