English Literature

It is true that we can term  �Joseph Andrews�  as a  �comic epic poem in prose�  because it has almost all the prerequisites that are important for labeling it as a  �comic epic poem in prose�. Fielding himself termed it as a  �comic epic poem in prose�  in the �Preface to Joseph Andrews� .   The impetus for the novel, as Fielding claims in the preface, is the establishment of a genre of writing "which I do not remember to have been hitherto attempted in our language" , defined as the "comic epic  in prose" : a work of prose fiction, epic in length and variety of incident and character. Fielding has combined the ideal of  �comic epic�  and the  �prose epic�  to produce what he termed as  �comic epic poem in prose� . The comic tone of the novel is enhanced by the mock-heroic style, for Fielding admitted burlesque in the diction. It is instrumental in heightening the ridiculous nature of situation and affectations. A ...

Humour is defined as that quality of action, speech or writing which excites amusement, the faculty of perceiving what is ludicrous or amusing. Humour arises from the perception of the incongruities of life, from the writer�s awareness of the discrepancy between what is and what ought to be. Henry Fielding, the father of English novel, is one of the greatest humourists in English Literature. Fielding�s humour is wide in range. It arises from the coarsest farce to the astonishing heights of the subtlest irony. Joseph Andrews which started as a parody of Richardson�s Pamela, ended as an excellent work of art in its own right. There is plenty of humour in the novel. A number of characters are definitely humorous in their conception. Parson Adams and Mrs. Slipslop�s characters are the true sources of pure comedy.  In fact, Parson Adams� character is fully exploited by Fielding. His very appearance is ridiculous. No body can believe that he is a parson. �He possesses a comical face, wi...