18th century literature discussion on Henry Fielding’s story, Joseph Andrews

Characters

, discuss how Fielding develops characters in the novel. As you go
through the novel, write down your insights into or about the characters.

Choose one character to discuss, but you should tie the character to the
development of an idea. For example, using a specific character, explain how the
character can represent such issues as male versus female characters, upper
versus lower classes, the development of the arc of the character, the plausibility of
characters, the use of names and/or dialogue, etc. You can consider the narrator in
the novel as a character. Be sure to discuss the character from start to finish, i.e., if
you choose Joseph Andrews, you have to discuss him throughout the entire novel,
not Just the first chapters.

Let’s see if we can determine some sort of working view towards Fielding’s use of
characters.

Plot

Discuss Fielding’s use of plot in the novel. For example, you could discuss whether
the plot is plausible, or not.

You may have to bring in some discussion of character, for the plot cannot move
forward without the characters also moving forward. Be sure to discuss the
entirety of the novel.

Setting

Focus on Fielding’s use of setting in the novel.

Because we are working with such a seminal piece of literature, you will be
applying Watts’ definition of formal realism to Joseph Andrews, as well as
considering how Fielding helped to shape the literary concepts of character, plot,
and setting to create plausibility in the genre of the novel. Watt notes that it was
extremely important for the novel to reflect the contemporary scene of the novelist
and the reader.

How does Fielding use the setting to make his novel more plausible to the reader?
Are there any places where the novel may be hindered by the setting?

Source:

htth/www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/961 1

htth/www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/9609