Joseph Andrews - A Comic Epic in Prose

Joseph Andrews - A Comic Epic in Prose

Elements of Comic Prose in the Novel

When it comes to the three elements—comic, epic, and prose—Joseph Andrews rightly includes all of them.

Comic prose is a prosaic piece of writing intended to make people laugh. It typically retains a satirical or ironic tone to achieve for making people laugh and alter society. For illustration: Characters like Mr Abraham Adams and Mrs Slip Slop, who are accurately represented by the author in such a way that they are adding that light, amusing touch to the plot, are included in Fielding's novel. 

For instance, Mr Adams frequently embarrassed himself due to his naivety (lack of knowledge) and forgetfulness, and Mrs Slip Slop amused the readers with her pride in her speaking abilities. She always articulated complex words in a way that Mr Adams in particular could never grasp.

Elements of Epic in the Novel

Additionally, "epic," which is a defining characteristic of Joseph Andrews, is included in Fielding's definition of a novel. An epic is defined as a long story that uses dignified language, has battles and heroic acts of a warrior, occasionally includes discoveries and interpolations (digressions from the main plot), and, last but not least, has a significant goal attached to it.

Joseph Andrews is a true epic because it is divided into four books, giving it a long story with dignified language that is evident throughout. Throughout their entire voyage, particularly from chapter 10 of Book 1 until the end of Book 3, Parson Adams and Joseph Andrews demonstrated a great lot of bravery. Parson Adams bravely fought the robber who was disturbing Fanny on his own, for instance, while Joseph Andrews heroically engaged the dogs pursuing Parson Adams while putting his own life in danger.

A conflict between a few characters, including the host and hostess of the inn, Parson Adams, Joseph Andrews, and Mrs Slip Slop, was also seen there. The History of Leonara in Book 2 and a few more digressions in Book 3 are two examples of interpolations (additions) that give readers a much-needed respite from the main plot. Last but not least, this book seeks to alter society, reflecting its serious goal.

Evidence from Text

“A comic romance is a comic epic poem in prose; differing from comedy, as the serious epic from tragedy: its action being more extended and comprehensive; containing a much larger circle of incidents and introducing a greater variety of characters”. 

(p. 21-22)

 

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