Joseph Andrews as

a Picaresque Novel
Group Name The Power of Knowledge

Semester 4th 1M

Subject Rise of the Novel in the

18th and 19th Century

Department BS English Literature

Submitted by

Naila Shareef Mohammad Zohaib Asif

Aymen Shafqat Sibgha Tehseen

Malaika Zahid Awaisi Amra Yaqoob

Ansa Khan Zarnab Shabbir

Submitted to
Ma’am Nasreen Waheed
 Brief Overview of Joseph Andrews

Joseph Andrews is a novel written by

Henry Fielding published in 1742.It follows
the adventures of Joseph Andrews, a
virtuous young footman. As he faces various
Challenges and Encounters on his way to
marry Fanny Goodwill, his sweetheart.
Along the way, he faces attempts by women
to seduce him and encounters with robbers.
He is accompanied by his friend Parson
Adams, a clergyman.
 Key Characters of Joseph Andrews

1. Joseph Andrews
The Protagonist, a virtuous guy who is employed
at Mrs. Booby‘s House.
2. Lady Booby
Employer of Joseph who attempts to seduce him.
3. Fanny Goodwill
Joseph’s sweetheart, whom he hopes to marry.
 Picaresque Novel

The term “Picaresque” comes from the

spanish word “Picaro”, which means rogue or
Rascal and it refers to a narrative style that
follows the adventures of a roguish, often lower
class protagonist known as picaro.
This type of Novel was originated from Spain
during the renaissance age and reached its peak
in popularity in the 16th and 17th Century.
It’s key characteristics are Episodic structure,
Satirical commentary and Rogue Protagonist.
Rogue Protagonist
The main character is usually a lower-class individual who
navigates society through Wit and Cunning.

Episodic Structure
The Narrative is often structured within a series of loose
plot or loosely connected episodes or adventures rather
than a tightly connected plot.

Satirical Commentary
Picaresque Novel often provide social satirical commentary,
exposing the flaws and hypocrisies of the society through
the eyes of the Protagonist.
First Person Narrative
The story is often presented as a first-person narrative,
with the protagonist recounting their encounters in a
confessional style.

Ambiguous Morality
The Protagonist’s ability to judge what is right and
what is wrong and act according to it may seem
ambiguous, and they often engage in morally
questionable actions, reflecting the complexity of
Human nature.
 Joseph Andrews as a
Picaresque Novel

Episodic Structure
Joseph Andrews follows an episodic structure by
presenting the story as a series of loosely connected
adventures and encounters that Joseph Experiences
throughout his journey. Each episode introduces
new characters and situations, contributing to the
overall narrative. Few of those structures are given
ahead.
Lady Booby’s Attempts

Lady Booby Joseph’s employer attempts to

seduce him multiple times. But Joseph’s
refusal to her attempts leads to multiple
conflicts and complications.

Encounter with the Robbers

Joseph encounters a group of robbers who try
to rob him. Despite danger Joseph displays
 Courage but at the end he is left with nothing.

The Inn
Joseph stays at various inns during his journey
where he meets multiple characters, including
travelers.

Satirical Commentary
Henry Fielding employs Satire through character
portrayals, witty dialogue, the narrator’s voice and
social critique. Characters represent different social
types. Few of them are given ahead.
Character Portrayal

Lady Booby, an elite figure who is shown

as morally corrupt and arrogant. Her
desire of Joseph Andrews despite her
rejection satirizes the entitled behavior
of Elite.
Witty Dialogues
In conversations between Lady Booby
and Parson Adams, Fielding employs
Witty dialogue to expose societal absurdity.

Rogue Protagonist

Joseph Andrews the Protagonist of this Novel is indeed a

Rogue Protagonist. He is a young guy who faces multiple
challenges and complex situations through her journey.
Despite his flaws, he is charming which leads to the
attraction of the readers.
Thank You