description Peregrine Pickle Overview
"Peregrine Pickle" is a picaresque novel by Scottish author Tobias Smollett, first published in 1751. The narrative follows the episodic adventures of a wealthy, egotistical young man as he travels across Europe. The work is notable for its biting satire of 18th-century society and its inclusion of eccentric, grotesque comedic characters. It remains a significant example of the early English novel and the picaresque tradition.
help Peregrine Pickle FAQ
Who wrote Peregrine Pickle, and when was it published?
Peregrine Pickle was written by Scottish author Tobias Smollett and first published in 1751. A revised edition appeared in 1758, and the full title is The Adventures of Peregrine Pickle.
Who is Peregrine Pickle in the story?
Peregrine is a wealthy but egotistical young man whose difficult family life leads him into a series of adventures. Commodore Hawser Trunnion becomes an important guardian figure after Peregrine is rejected by his parents.
Why is Peregrine Pickle called a picaresque novel?
The story moves through episodic adventures instead of following one tightly focused plot. Peregrine's education at Oxford, travels through France, imprisonment in the Fleet, and later inheritance all supply separate stages for Smollett's satire. [JSTOR](https://www.jstor.org/stable/j.ctt17575dr)
What does Peregrine Pickle satirize?
Smollett uses Peregrine's vanity and misfortunes to mock cruelty, greed, stupidity, and social pretension in 18th-century Europe. The novel combines those targets with named figures such as Commodore Hawser Trunnion and Emilia.
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