Henry Fielding's *Joseph Andrews* Quiz

Henry Fielding's Joseph Andrews

• Eighteenth-century English novel, published in 1742
• Considered a pioneering work in the development of the modern English novel
• A satire of the "picaresque" novel genre
• Explores themes of vice and virtue through its characters
• Portrays its central character, Joseph Andrews, as virtuous
• Other characters are portrayed as either virtuous or vice-ridden
• The novel satirizes aspects of societal vices of the time, including greed, envy, and lust
• A response to Samuel Richardson's Pamela (1740), which also explores themes of virtue, but through a different lens
• Includes a recurring character, Parson Adams, considered a central and heroic figure
• Features interpolated tales, providing a broader social critique and engaging the reader in a slightly different way from the central chapters of the story
• The novel demonstrates a complex exploration of human nature both individually and societally, often through humorous or satirical incidents
• Written with a clear moral intention - puncturing the facades people use to protect themselves from moral failings and/or lack of self-knowledge

Characters in Joseph Andrews

• Joseph Andrews: A virtuous, handsome young footman who journeys from the Booby household in London back to the countryside. A central character in the novel
• Parson Adams: A benevolent, absent-minded country curate, accompanies Joseph a substantial part of his journey. Often seen as a comic hero, a rival to Joseph as the hero of the novel
• Fanny Goodwill: A poor, yet beautiful, and intelligent young woman. Joseph's beloved one. Her story parallels that of her sister, Pamela.
• Lady Booby: The mistress of Joseph, presented as a character who lusts after Joseph, displays several negative character traits, including snobbery
• Mrs. Slipslop: A lustful and less-than-virtuous character who is employed in the household of Lady Booby

Key Themes in Joseph Andrews

• Virtue and vice: The characters and their actions are presented as a reflection of the societal and moral backdrop of the 18th century
• Corruption and societal vices: The novel offers criticism of the vices present in the contemporary society such as greed, envy, lust, hypocrisy. The novel details situations where these negative behaviours are exhibited in different situations and to various members of society
• Humour and satire: The novel uses humour and satire to expose and critique various societal behaviours.
• The nature of heroism: The novel portrays Joseph Andrews as a hero, though less conventionally than a hero might be depicted

Plot Summary

• Joseph Andrews's adventures, the central story
• He is forced to leave Lady Booby's employment when she continues to try to seduce him.
• Encounters many trials and tribulations on his journey which lead to many humorous occasions and encounters with other characters
• He travels with his tutor, Parson Adams, encountering various challenges and moral dilemmas
• His journey includes various encounters with other people and groups of people. Provides commentary on the social landscape and various members of society at the time
• Encounters and incidents provide commentary on specific moral failings displayed in 18th-century society
• He is eventually reunited with Fanny Goodwill, his childhood sweetheart
• There are many complications, some of which are resolved but others are not. 
• The characters and incidents serve as illustrations of the failings of different members of society.
• The novel concludes when Joseph and Fanny are married and the origins of Joseph and Fanny are revealed to be brothers and sisters

Historical Context

• Set in the early 18th century
• England was undergoing significant social and economic changes
• The novel reflects these shifts, including growing commercialization and the changing social hierarchy
• The novel's critique of societal ills reveals the social climate presented at the time of the novel's creation
• Its critique of the society at that time provides insights into the societal climate
• Provides contextual understanding of the novel