Analysis
The corpus of Henry Fielding's fiction has long been a rich subject for analysis, blending moral exploration with aesthetic innovation. His novels, from "Joseph Andrews" to "Tom Jones," are notable for their intricate structure and multifaceted characters, serving as a mirror to the social and moral fabric of the eighteenth century. Fielding's work is both a literary experiment and a moral education, reflecting his dedication to merging form with instruction in a way that captivates readers.
Fielding’s Moral and Aesthetic Vision
Traditionally, critiques of Henry Fielding’s novels have focused on the ways moral and aesthetic elements interlace within his narratives. Fielding’s status as a moralist often takes precedence, with his novels judged by their ability to convey a moral vision within a structured aesthetic framework. The failure of "Amelia," for instance, is attributed to Fielding’s weakened moral conviction, resulting in a dissonant ending given the novel’s portrayal of urban decay.
Fielding’s evolution as a writer reveals a shift in his moral outlook, influenced by his exposure to urban life and his transition from the theater to the justice system. This changing perspective informs his novels’ moral vision, as seen through the lens of latitudinarian sermons of his time. Fielding’s works, spanning from "Joseph Andrews" to "Amelia," not only explore moral values but also experiment with narrative form to engage readers more effectively.
The Aesthetics of Fielding’s Fiction
Fielding’s novels are as much about their storytelling techniques as they are about the stories themselves. Each novel, starting with the parody "Shamela," represents a literary experiment designed to discover the best method for conveying moral messages to a broad audience. The narrative structure, character development, and linguistic choices all serve to deliver both moral and aesthetic experiences, making the "how" as significant as the "what."
Fielding’s commitment to exploring artistic methods for moral instruction was not novel in the eighteenth century. His classical education and theatrical experiences informed his understanding that fiction must both delight and instruct. The novels themselves, with their emphasis on plot incidents and character diversity, are Fielding’s efforts to balance narrative structure with thematic depth.
Response to Richardson’s "Pamela"
Fielding’s venture into novel writing was catalyzed by his response to Samuel Richardson’s "Pamela." He was perturbed by the public’s reception of the work, which he found morally hollow and artistically inadequate. Richardson’s portrayal of virtue as a commodity both vexed and inspired Fielding, prompting him to critique "Pamela" through parody and to ponder more effective ways of presenting his moral ideas.
"Shamela" was Fielding’s first satirical strike at "Pamela," exposing its superficial morality and flawed artistic execution. This parody was not only a critique of Richardson’s methods but also a demonstration of Fielding’s ability to deconstruct and satirize prevailing literary norms to highlight their deficiencies.
The Search for a New Narrative Method
Fielding was in search of a narrative method that would effectively blend moral vision with literary enjoyment, suited to an increasingly urban and secular society. His exploration took him through satire, irony, direct narrative intrusion, and moral exemplum. Even his less successful works, like "Jonathan Wild" and "Amelia," retain vitality through this experimental approach. However, Fielding found his stride in "Joseph Andrews" and "Tom Jones," where he effectively reached his audience.
The moral values in Fielding’s novels—embodied by characters such as Joseph Andrews, Parson Adams, Tom Jones, and Squire Allworthy—revolve around Charity, Prudence, and Providence. These values reflect Fielding’s optimistic view of humanity’s potential for improvement, rooted in the essential goodness of human nature. His characters' journeys often involve reconciling innate goodness with societal order, leading to a life blessed by Providence.
Fielding’s Classical Influences
Fielding’s...
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education in the classics is evident throughout his work, influencing language, plot structure, themes, and narrative forms. His novels often employ epic conventions and themes drawn from classical literature, such as the idea of a benevolent world order depicted through pastoral settings. This classical influence merges with the latitudinarian beliefs of the time, emphasizing human perfectibility through benevolence and good deeds.
Fielding’s thematic concerns, while rooted in classical and Christian thought, are expressed through complex literary techniques. His novels synthesize influences from his education, theatrical career, and even Richardson’s "Pamela," creating unique and unified narratives. For example, "Joseph Andrews" simultaneously critiques Richardson’s moral thesis and echoes latitudinarian thought through its narrative and character portrayals.
Fielding’s Satirical World
Fielding’s London was a hub of literary and political activity, rife with factionalism and controversy. The arts were a battleground, with the Tory wits pitted against figures like Colley Cibber. Influential works such as Swift’s "Gulliver’s Travels" and Gay’s "The Beggar’s Opera" shaped Fielding’s literary methods, infusing his fiction with sharp political satire and innovative forms.
Political issues also permeated Fielding’s works, reflecting his journalistic career and the contentious political climate of his time. His novels, including "Joseph Andrews" and "Tom Jones," often engage with political themes, using narrative to comment on the societal issues of the day.
Narrative Technique and Moral Lessons
Fielding’s narrative technique is central to his blending of moral instruction with literary art. The narrator plays a crucial role in all his works, serving as a moral guide and literary commentator. "Tom Jones" represents Fielding’s pinnacle achievement in harmonizing narrative voice, plot, and character to convey a moral message effectively.
In "Tom Jones," the narrator assumes multiple roles, engaging directly with the reader and offering insights into both the story and Fielding’s literary theories. This approach allows Fielding to seamlessly integrate moral lessons into the fabric of his narratives, providing readers with both entertainment and guidance.
Fielding’s Satirical Critique of Society
Fielding was a product of his class-conscious society, yet he was unafraid to critique its flaws. His novels reflect a conservative, yet critical, perspective, satirizing the hypocrisy and moral failings across all societal strata. Fielding’s characters often embody the vices and virtues of their social positions, allowing him to explore and criticize the behaviors and attitudes of his time.
Whether addressing the upper class’s pretensions or the middle class’s moral shortcomings, Fielding’s satire is pervasive. His works expose the dualities of human nature, illustrating both the positive and negative aspects of each character’s disposition. Through this lens, Fielding attempts to hold a mirror to society, encouraging reflection and, ultimately, reformation.
Joseph Andrews and the Comic Epic
"Joseph Andrews" marks Fielding’s first full-fledged novel, with its initial chapters serving as a parody of Richardson’s "Pamela." However, the novel transcends parody to become a richly comic exploration of human behavior, centered more on Parson Adams than on the titular Joseph.
Fielding’s full title for the novel, "The History of the Adventures of Joseph Andrews, and of His Friend Mr. Abraham Adams, Written in Imitation of the Manner of Cervantes, Author of Don Quixote," hints at its episodic, picaresque nature. This structure allows for a series of adventures and reversals, reflecting Fielding’s faith in Divine Providence and his belief in the importance of charity and benevolence.
The novel’s humor and irony mask its didactic intentions, presenting a plot filled with both ludicrous and serious undertakings. Through realistic characters and scenarios, Fielding effectively critiques the moral and social dynamics of his time, using his novel to encourage virtue and expose vice.
Tom Jones: A Comic Epic in Prose
"Tom Jones" is often considered Fielding’s masterpiece, blending a tightly constructed narrative with a rich moral vision. The novel’s structure, divided into three major parts, reflects Tom’s journey from innocence to experience, culminating in his moral and social redemption.
Fielding employs a central plot interwoven with peripheral incidents, each contributing to Tom’s development and the novel’s overarching themes. This structure, reminiscent of a well-made play, allows Fielding to explore complex social issues while maintaining a humorous and engaging narrative.
Tom, an emblem of innate goodness, is contrasted with characters like Blifil, representing moral hypocrisy. Fielding’s exploration of virtue is nuanced, emphasizing the need for experience and growth in the pursuit of a good life. Through "Tom Jones," Fielding demonstrates his skill in harmonizing narrative form and moral instruction, leaving a lasting impact on the novel as a literary form.
