Which of the following works by Henry Fielding begins as a parody of Samuel Richardson's Pamela?

Correct option is D

Explanation:

The correct answer is Joseph Andrews. Henry Fielding's Joseph Andrews (1742) begins as a parody of Samuel Richardson's Pamela (1740).

While Pamela is a sentimental novel that tells the story of a young woman’s virtue being tested by her employer, Fielding’s Joseph Andrews takes a comic, satirical approach, parodying Richardson’s moral seriousness and the conventions of the novel genre.

Fielding uses humor and irony to criticize the societal norms that Richardson’s work upholds. While Pamela focuses on the moral integrity of its heroine, Fielding’s Joseph Andrews explores themes of virtue, class, and social mobility, but in a far less serious and more satirical manner.

Information Booster:

Henry Fielding (1707–1754) was an English novelist, playwright, and magistrate. He is best known for his satirical works, including Joseph Andrews and Tom Jones.

Fielding's Joseph Andrews marks a significant departure from the traditional, moralistic tone of the 18th-century novel. It is both a parody and a response to the kind of novels written by Samuel Richardson, particularly Pamela.

Samuel Richardson (1689–1761), another prominent English writer of the 18th century, was known for his novels, including Pamela and Clarissa. His novels were often focused on virtue, morality, and the challenges of maintaining moral integrity in society.

Joseph Andrews:

The novel begins by introducing Joseph Andrews, a young man who is the servant of Lady Booby.

At the beginning of the novel, the story seems to mirror Pamela, with a focus on Joseph’s virtue being tested, much like Pamela's was in Richardson's work.

However, Fielding subverts the serious tone by introducing comic characters, humorous situations, and a lighter tone.

Joseph, much like Pamela, is virtuous, but Fielding satirizes the social conventions and moralistic lessons that were prominent in Richardson’s novel.

The novel follows Joseph and his companion, the parson Adams, on their journey through the countryside, encountering various comedic characters and situations along the way.

Fielding’s approach to virtue, morality, and the social structure is more playful and satirical, contrasting with Richardson's earnestness.

Additional Knowledge:

Tom Jones is another of Henry Fielding’s great works. It is a comic epic that follows the life of its protagonist, Tom Jones, from his birth to his eventual success in love and social status. The novel is focused on social criticism and the picaresque genre.

Don Quixote is a Spanish novel written by Miguel de Cervantes. It is often regarded as one of the first modern novels and follows the adventures of an idealistic man, Don Quixote, who imagines himself to be a knight. It is a satirical work.

Amelia is a novel by Henry Fielding. Amelia is a serious, moralistic work that explores the life and struggles of its heroine, Amelia, and her relationship with her husband, Booth.