The social norms that create a strong impact in society, Henry Fielding wrote about them. He describes a picture of society using his characters. In addition, the writer uses satirical elements to comment on society. In his remarkable piece of art “Tom Jones” we find the hypocrisy of the upper class and rigid codes of behavior. The use of humor to criticize shortcomings and absurdities of human behavior shows the wit of the writer. For example, his character Tom Jones tries to escape and ends up in bedsheets. In this discourse, we unravel how Fielding’s acute awareness of societal norms and his ability to reflect them in his storytelling contributed to the evolution of the English novel.
Early Life and Literary Background
Henry Fielding belongs to a region where social hierarchies were dominant. He emerged as a prominent English novelist in the 18th century. He was born in 1707 and started his literary journey in a theatre. His art pieces reflect that he understands well about prevailing social orders. It seems in his novels that he uses his knowledge to deconstruct societal structures.
The Influence of Normative Social Influence
Forceful acceptance of social norms and values is normative social influence. In simple words, one can relate to the pressure that one faces to accept these. This pressure often disturbs our important decisions.
In Fielding’s time, these norms were as intricate as the layers of society itself. This influence seeped into every facet of life, including literature. We find characters who are products of their societal milieu. Whether those are the misadventures of Tom Jones or the escapades of Joseph Andrews. People attach some expectations with his characters considering their class and gender. Getting under the influence of this pressure and defying it becomes a central theme of Fielding’s novels.
Take, for example, Tom Jones, a foundling whose journey to legitimacy is marked by his struggle to navigate the societal expectations of class and morality. Fielding’s portrayal of Tom’s trials and tribulations is a reflection of the normative social influence of his time.
Fielding’s Contribution to the English Novel
Henry Fielding’s novels set a new standard of living where one learns to deal with societal pressure. After reading one achieves the milestones of the evolution of personal character. In addition, the blend of humor and astute social observation captivates and stimulates readers.
Fielding’s storytelling prowess is evident in the vividness of his characters and the intricacy of his plots. He crafted protagonists who were flawed yet relatable, and he wove tales that explored the human condition through a lens of social commentary.
Epistolary Novels: A Connection
During Fielding’s lifetime, the epistolary novel was a popular literary form. Epistolary novels are composed of letters exchanged between characters, allowing readers a direct window into their thoughts and emotions. This format lent itself well to exploring the complexities of human relationships and, importantly, the influence of societal norms.
Normative Social Influence in Fielding’s Epistolary Novels
Fielding’s engagement with the epistolary form is a fascinating facet of his literary career. In his novel “Shamela,” a parody of Samuel Richardson’s epistolary novel “Pamela,” Fielding employs the format to satirize the prevailing norms of female virtue and social class. Through the letters of his characters, he exposes the hypocrisy and absurdity of these norms, all while delivering biting wit and humor.
Similarly, in “The History of the Adventures of Joseph Andrews,” Fielding uses letters to shed light on the clash between social classes and expectations. His characters’ correspondence reveals their inner struggles with normative social influence, making the reader both empathize and question the societal constraints placed upon them.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Henry Fielding’s contribution to the English novel cannot be understated. His acute awareness of normative social influence, combined with his storytelling genius, made his works both a reflection and critique of 18th-century English society. Through characters like Tom Jones and the clever use of the epistolary novel format, Fielding’s legacy endures as a testament to the power of literature in exploring societal norms and shaping the evolution of the novel.
As we revisit Fielding’s works, we not only gain insight into the past but also find resonance with our ongoing dialogue about societal norms and individual agency. Fielding’s novels serve as timeless reminders that literature has the capacity to influence and be influenced by the norms of the day, making it an enduring force in the ever-evolving tapestry of human culture.
