description Joseph Andrews Overview
Joseph Andrews is a 1742 novel by English author Henry Fielding, recognized as one of the earliest comic novels in the English language. Originally conceived as a parody of Samuel Richardson's Pamela, it follows the comedic journey of a virtuous footman and his companion, the eccentric Parson Adams. Fielding subtitled the work a comic epic-poem in prose, pioneering a literary form that combined classical structure with contemporary humor.
help Joseph Andrews FAQ
How is Joseph Andrews connected to Pamela?
Fielding initially presents Joseph as the brother of Pamela Andrews, the virtuous heroine of Samuel Richardson's Pamela. He reverses that novel's situation by having Lady Booby pursue Joseph while he tries to preserve his chastity.
Why does Parson Adams travel with Joseph?
Abraham Adams first sets out hoping to sell volumes of his sermons and becomes Joseph's loyal traveling companion. His learning, absent-mindedness, generosity, and repeated mishaps make him one of the novel's central comic figures.
Who is Fanny Goodwill in Joseph Andrews?
Fanny is Joseph's beloved, and much of the journey concerns their efforts to reunite and marry. Later revelations about Joseph's birth remove the apparent family obstacle that threatens their relationship.
Why is Joseph Andrews called a comic epic in prose?
Fielding used that description for a work that applies epic scale and structure to ordinary people, roadside accidents, hypocrisy, and social satire. Published in 1742, it also draws heavily on the wandering adventures of Cervantes's Don Quixote.
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