Henry Fielding as the father of novel

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Introduction

Henry Fielding was one of the greatest English novelists of the eighteenth century whose works combined wit, realism, and moral insight. He was born on 22 April 1707 in Sharpham, Somerset, England, and he died on 8 October 1754 in Lisbon, Portugal. Fielding is best remembered for his masterpiece The History of Tom Jones, a Foundling, which established him as a leading figure in the rise of the English novel. He was also a dramatist, journalist, and magistrate, whose career reflected the social, political, and literary changes of his time.

Early Life and Education

Henry Fielding was born into a prominent family, though not one of great wealth. His father, Edmund Fielding, was an army officer, while his mother, Sarah Gould, came from a family of landowners. Fielding was educated at Eton College, where he developed his love for classical literature and drama. He later studied law at the University of Leiden in the Netherlands but did not complete his degree. His early exposure to both classical learning and the lively culture of London prepared him for his later literary achievements.

Career as a Playwright

Fielding began his literary career as a dramatist. In the 1720s and 1730s, he wrote a series of comedies and satires for the London stage. His plays, such as Tom Thumb (1730) and Pasquin (1736), were popular for their humor and sharp criticism of politics and society. However, his bold satire against Prime Minister Robert Walpole in plays like The Historical Register for the Year 1736 led to the passing of the Licensing Act of 1737, which imposed strict censorship on drama. This effectively ended Fielding’s career as a playwright.

Turn to Journalism and Law

After his career in drama was curtailed, Fielding turned to journalism and the study of law. He was called to the bar in 1740 and worked as a barrister. At the same time, he began to write essays, pamphlets, and periodicals that commented on social and political issues. His keen sense of justice and his interest in reform would later shape both his novels and his career as a magistrate.

Rise as a Novelist

Fielding’s transition to prose fiction marked the beginning of his greatest literary achievements. He entered the world of novels partly as a response to the popularity of Samuel Richardson’s Pamela (1740), which he parodied in his first novel.

Joseph Andrews (1742)

Fielding’s first major novel, Joseph Andrews, began as a parody of Richardson’s sentimental novel Pamela, but it soon developed into an independent comic narrative. It tells the story of Pamela’s brother, Joseph, who resists the advances of his mistress, Lady Booby. Accompanied by the good-natured Parson Adams, Joseph travels through the countryside, encountering adventures and misadventures. The novel blends humor, satire, and moral commentary, establishing Fielding’s talent for combining realism with comedy.

Jonathan Wild (1743)

In Jonathan Wild, Fielding presented the life of a notorious criminal, treating it as a mock-heroic biography. Through irony and satire, he exposed the corruption and hypocrisy of society. The novel reflects Fielding’s belief in the importance of morality and justice.

Tom Jones (1749)

The History of Tom Jones, a Foundling is Fielding’s masterpiece and one of the greatest novels in English literature. The novel follows the adventures of Tom, a foundling raised by Squire Allworthy, as he grows from youth to adulthood. It is notable for its lively characters, complex plot, and vivid picture of eighteenth-century English society. Fielding’s use of omniscient narration, his moral insight, and his comic spirit made Tom Jones a landmark in the development of the modern novel. The book also demonstrates Fielding’s belief in human goodness, while criticizing hypocrisy and corruption.

Amelia (1751)

Fielding’s last novel, Amelia, is more serious in tone, focusing on the struggles of a young couple against poverty, corruption, and injustice. Though less popular than Tom Jones, it reflects Fielding’s deep concern with morality, social reform, and human suffering.

Narrative Style and Themes

Henry Fielding’s novels are characterized by their clarity, humor, and moral seriousness. He often acted as a narrator who guided readers through the story, offering commentary, irony, and reflection. His works emphasized the following themes:

  • Morality and Virtue: Fielding believed in the importance of moral integrity, even when his characters were flawed or misguided.
  • Satire of Society: His novels expose the corruption, hypocrisy, and greed of eighteenth-century society, while also celebrating kindness and generosity.
  • Realism: Fielding paid close attention to detail, portraying everyday life, social classes, and human behavior with vivid realism.
  • Comic Spirit: He combined moral seriousness with comedy, showing that humor could reveal truth as effectively as tragedy.

Career as a Magistrate

In addition to his literary career, Fielding served as a magistrate in London. He worked to reform the justice system, introducing measures to reduce crime and improve law enforcement. With his half-brother John Fielding, who was blind, he established the Bow Street Runners, often considered London’s first police force. His commitment to justice reflected the same values of morality and social responsibility found in his novels.

Personal Life

Fielding’s personal life was marked by financial difficulties and health problems. He married Charlotte Cradock in 1734, who inspired some of his most sympathetic female characters, such as Sophia in Tom Jones. After her death, he married her maid, Mary Daniel, with whom he had several children. His health declined due to gout and liver disease, and in 1754 he traveled to Lisbon in search of a cure. He died there later the same year.

Legacy and Influence

Henry Fielding’s contribution to literature is immense. He is regarded as one of the founders of the modern English novel, alongside Samuel Richardson. His narrative technique, combining realism, humor, and moral reflection, influenced later novelists such as Charles Dickens, William Thackeray, and George Eliot. Tom Jones remains a classic that continues to be read and studied for its lively characters, intricate plot, and insights into human nature. His work as a magistrate also left a lasting impact on the development of modern policing and justice in England.

Conclusion

Henry Fielding was a writer, satirist, and reformer whose works shaped the development of English literature. Through novels like Joseph Andrews and Tom Jones, he combined humor, realism, and moral insight to create stories that remain both entertaining and thought-provoking. His vision of literature as a mirror of life, enriched by comedy and guided by moral purpose, established him as one of the greatest figures in the history of the novel. His contributions as both a novelist and a social reformer ensure his place as a central figure in eighteenth-century English culture.

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