Henry Fielding

Definition

Henry Fielding was an 18th-century English novelist and playwright, known for his contributions to the development of the modern novel and for his satirical works. His most famous novel, 'Tom Jones,' showcases his skill in blending humor and social commentary, reflecting the complexities of human nature and society during his time. Fielding's work often critiques social issues and moral behavior, making him a significant figure in both satirical literature and the broader landscape of 18th-century fiction.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Fielding is considered one of the founders of the English novel, establishing narrative techniques that influenced future writers.
2. His work often features a blend of humor and moral seriousness, allowing for sharp critiques of society while entertaining readers.
3. Fielding also played a crucial role as a playwright, creating works that were popular in London theaters during his time.
4. The character of Tom Jones represents the idealistic everyman, navigating a world filled with both virtue and vice.
5. Fielding's satirical approach in novels like 'Joseph Andrews' critiques the hypocrisy and pretensions of contemporary society.

Review Questions

• How does Henry Fielding’s use of satire in his novels reflect the social issues of 18th-century England?
  • Henry Fielding employs satire to highlight and critique various social issues prevalent in 18th-century England, such as class disparities, corruption, and moral hypocrisy. His ability to blend humor with serious commentary allows readers to reflect on the absurdities of societal norms and behaviors. By using exaggerated characters and situations, Fielding effectively underscores the flaws within society while also entertaining his audience.
• What narrative techniques did Henry Fielding use in 'Tom Jones' that contributed to its status as a significant work in the development of the modern novel?
  • 'Tom Jones' showcases several innovative narrative techniques that contributed to its acclaim as a significant work in modern literature. Fielding employs a third-person omniscient narrator, which allows for a wide-ranging perspective on characters and events. This technique also enables him to provide commentary on the action and offer insights into the characters’ motivations. Additionally, the episodic structure and picaresque elements create a dynamic storytelling experience that engages readers while exploring themes of morality and identity.
• Evaluate the impact of Henry Fielding's literary contributions on later authors and the evolution of the novel as a genre.
  • Henry Fielding's literary contributions laid important groundwork for future authors and the evolution of the novel as a genre. His innovative narrative techniques, use of satire, and exploration of character complexity influenced prominent writers like Jane Austen and Charles Dickens. The incorporation of social critique within engaging storytelling became a hallmark of the novel form, allowing subsequent authors to address societal issues while developing rich characters. Thus, Fielding's work not only entertained readers but also shaped the expectations for narrative depth and moral inquiry in literature.

Related terms

Satire: A literary technique that uses humor, irony, or exaggeration to criticize or mock social issues, individuals, or institutions.

Picaresque Novel: A genre of prose fiction that follows the adventures of a rogue or anti-hero as they navigate through a corrupt society.

Theatrical Comedy: A genre of drama that aims to amuse and entertain, often involving misunderstandings, mistaken identities, and humorous situations.