Joseph Andrews as comic epic poem in prose

A Synopsis Submitted By;

Dua Irshad Maryam Asghar
Kainat Zahra Syed Zeesshan
Malaika Rauf

Submitted to:
Ma’am Nasreen Waheed

Department of English literature

The Islamia University of Bahawalpur
Bahawalnagar Campus
Session: 2022-2026
 Introduction
A comic epic poem in prose is a literary genre that combines the narrative scope and heroic
themes of epic poetry with the humor, satire, and realistic prose of comedic writing. This genre
emerged in the 18th century as a response to the traditional epic poem, which was often serious
and solemn. Comic epic poems in prose aim to entertain and critique society, using irony, parody,
and absurdity to expose the flaws and follies of human nature

Characteristics of comic epic poem in prose include:

1. – A heroic protagonist who is often flawed and relatable

2. – A picaresque narrative with episodic structure
3. – Satire and social commentary
4. – Humor, irony, and absurdity
5. – Realistic prose and everyday settings
6. – Parody of traditional epic convention

Joseph Andrew as a comic epic poem in prose:

Joseph Andrews (1742) by Henry Fielding is a seminal work in the genre of comic epic
poem in prose. It is a satirical novel that parodies the traditional epic poem, using humor,
irony, and absurdity to critique societal norms and moral hypocrisy. Here are some key
aspects that make Joseph Andrews a comic epic poem in prose:

1. Parody of epic conventions: Fielding mocks traditional epic poetry’s grandiose

style, heroic characters, and solemn tone, replacing them with a humble
protagonist, everyday settings, and comedic events.

2. Satire and social commentary: The novel targets religious hypocrisy, class
snobbery, and gender double standards, using humor to expose the flaws of 18 th-
century English society.
 3. Picaresque narrative: The story follows Joseph Andrews, a virtuous and naïve
young man, on a series of misadventures and encounters with various characters,
creating a comedic and episodic narrative.

4. Heroic protagonist: Joseph is an unlikely hero, a humble footman who embodies

genuine Christian values, challenging traditional epic heroes’ grandeur and
bravado.

5. Realistic prose and everyday settings: Fielding employs a straightforward,

descriptive style, focusing on ordinary life and people, rather than elevated
language and mythological settings.

Joseph Andrews’ innovative blend of satire, humor, and realism helped shape the
development of the English novel and influenced many writers, solidifying its place as a
pioneering work in the comic epic poem in prose genre.

Critical analysis:

Critical Analysis: Joseph Andrews as Comic Epic in Prose

Henry Fielding’s Joseph Andrews (1742) is a groundbreaking novel that challenges

traditional epic poetry conventions by embracing a comic and satirical tone. As a comic epic in
prose, Joseph Andrews offers a humorous and ironic critique of 18 th-century English society,
religion, and gender norms.

1. Comic Use of Hyperbole:

Fielding employs hyperbole for comedic effect, as seen in the character of Lady Booby’s
exaggerated beauty and charms (Book III, Chapter 5). This use of hyperbole mocks the epic
convention of describing heroes and heroines in idealized terms.

2. Subversion of Heroic Expectations:

Joseph Andrews’ lack of heroic qualities and his relatable, human flaws subvert the reader’s
expectations of an epic hero (Book I, Chapter 1). Fielding uses this subversion to challenge
traditional epic conventions and create a more realistic and humorous protagonist.

3. Use of Irony and Wit:

Fielding’s use of irony and wit, as seen in the character of Parson Adams’ naivety and good nature
(Book II, Chapter 3), creates a comedic tone and challenges the reader’s expectations of a
traditional epic poem.

4. Gender Roles and Double Standards:

In Book III, Chapter 5, Fielding challenges traditional gender roles and societal expectations
through the character of Lady Booby, who is depicted as a lustful and manipulative woman.
Fielding writes, “She was a woman of great pride, and had a high opinion of her own beauty and
charms” (Fielding 180). This passage satirizes the double standards of gender roles and the societal
pressure on women to conform to certain expectations.

These examples demonstrate how Fielding’s “Joseph Andrews” challenges traditional epic
conventions and uses comedic techniques to create a humorous and satirical novel that can be
classified as a comic epic in prose.
 Conclusion:

Joseph Andrews is a pioneering work in the comic epic in prose genre, offering a humorous
and satirical critique of 18th-century English society. Fielding’s subversion of epic conventions,
satire, and realistic prose have made the novel a lasting influence on English literature. While it
may have its limitations, Joseph Andrews remains a significant and enjoyable read for its wit,
irony, and social commentary.

Reference:

- Goldberg, H. (1969). The Comic Epic in Prose: A Study of Joseph Andrews.

Modern Language Quarterly, 30(3), 341-355.

- Rawson, C. (1972). Henry Fielding and the Comic Epic. University of California
Press.