7.1 Fielding's life and literary career

Henry Fielding's life and career were shaped by his aristocratic background, education, and diverse experiences. From playwright to magistrate, these influences informed his satirical portrayals of society and realistic depictions of crime in his works.

Fielding's literary journey saw him pivot from plays to novels, developing the "comic epic poem in prose." His innovative narrative techniques, complex structures, and use of humor revolutionized the English novel, establishing it as a serious literary genre.

Influences on Fielding's Literary Career

Family Background and Education

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• Born into aristocratic family facing financial difficulties shaped satirical portrayals of class and society in works
• Education at Eton College exposed him to classical literature and drama
  • Laid foundation for literary career
  • Influenced writing style
• Brief career as playwright in London's theater scene in 1730s
  • Honed skills in dialogue and characterization
  • Skills later translated into novels

Career Shifts and Experiences

• Licensing Act of 1737 ended Fielding's theatrical career
  • Forced pivot to novel writing and journalism
  • Led to most significant literary contributions
• Appointment as magistrate in 1748 provided firsthand experience of London's criminal underworld
  • Informed realistic depictions of crime and justice in later works
• Declining health in 1750s influenced tone and themes of final novel, "Amelia"
  • Focused more on domestic life and social issues

Fielding's Early Works and Development

Satirical Plays and Prose

• Early satirical plays established reputation for wit and social commentary
  • "The Author's Farce" (1730)
  • "Tom Thumb" (1730)
• First prose work demonstrated ability to critique and subvert popular literary conventions
  • "An Apology for the Life of Mrs. Shamela Andrews" (1741)
  • Parody of Samuel Richardson's "Pamela"

Novels and Journalistic Works

• "Joseph Andrews" (1742) introduced concept of "comic epic poem in prose"
  • Blended classical epic structures with contemporary social satire
  • Success encouraged further development of narrative techniques and character development
• Journalistic works honed skills in social observation and commentary
  • Essays in "The Champion" (1739-1741)
  • Skills became integral to novelistic style
• Experimental nature of early novels allowed refinement of approach to narrative structure and point of view
  • "The History of the Adventures of Joseph Andrews and of his Friend Mr. Abraham Adams" (1742)

Context of Fielding's Novels

Literary and Philosophical Influences

• Produced during Augustan Age
  • Characterized by neoclassicism, rationalism, focus on order and decorum
• Ongoing debate about nature and purpose of novel as literary form
  • Allowed experimentation with and theorization about narrative techniques
  • Influenced role of author
• Influence of Enlightenment philosophy evident in novels
  • Works of John Locke
  • Exploration of human nature, morality, and education

Social and Political Climate

• Rise of middle class and changing social dynamics provided rich material
  • Satirical portrayals of class interactions and social mobility
• Political corruption and Jacobite rebellions of 1740s influenced critiques of government
  • Emphasis on patriotism and moral leadership in novels (Tom Jones, 1749)
• Growth of print culture and literacy provided expanding readership
  • Influenced narrative strategies and choice of themes

Fielding's Contributions to the English Novel

Narrative Techniques and Structure

• Theory of "comic epic poem in prose" established new framework for understanding and constructing novels
  • Outlined in preface to "Joseph Andrews"
• Use of omniscient, intrusive narrator introduced self-conscious narrative style
  • Influenced subsequent novelists
  • Contributed to development of metafiction
• Complex, multi-plot structures and large cast of characters expanded scope and ambition of novel
  • Evident in "Tom Jones"

Genre Development and Themes

• Incorporation of classical literary devices elevated status of novel as serious literary genre
  • Epic conventions and allusions
• Realistic portrayal of wide range of social classes contributed to novel's development as vehicle for social commentary
• Emphasis on moral education and character development established bildungsroman as significant subgenre
  • Particularly evident in "Tom Jones"
• Innovative use of humor, irony, and satire influenced development of comic novel
  • Integrated comedy into serious literary fiction