Introductory
A father is a person who influences his issues with resolving the core issues of a particular matter persisting in a particular time. Henry Fielding is renowned as the father of English Novel because of his accomplishments in this particular literary genre.
Novel Before Henry Fielding
This prestigious literary genre existed even before Feilding but the novelists like Richardson and Daniel Defoe but their writings were limited in respect of morality and the boundaries of society. For instance, in Richardson's Pamila, the morality and the concept of virtue were not painted in an acceptable manner and Defoe's Robinson Crusoe, the story of survival was only limited to an area where the protagonist spent twenty-five years. Characterization was the main issue before Henry. The characters were either too devilish or too innocents, which spoiled the basic concept of the novel as their nature was more likely to be entitled as fairy tales.
Henry's Characters
The characters depicted in Henry's literary genius were neither too virtuous nor too devilish. The pious characters had been painted not without little vices and villainism characters were painted not without some little good qualities. For example, the lustful Lady Booby, despite being ruthless towards her footman, she spent her money in making Joseph good-looking and the virtuous Parson Adams, despite being a pious-natured clergyman, would fly in a rage when he was "tormented" through the debates of private and public schooling.
Henry's Realism
Fielding's realism is authentic and thoroughly depicts the follies as well as positivities of the eighteenth-century society. We have Lady Booby, a prime example of the uncontrollable lust for her poor footman, Joseph while Betty and Slipslop follow suit. Many poor people like Joseph were robbed of their hard-earned money. Judiciary was divided and suggested severe punishments for minor crimes like ex-communication for merely stealing a hen roast. Groups like The Squire of Fools were busy in making and executing hilarious pranks just like they did with Parson Adams. Despite such wrongs, Henry paints some positive aspects of the said society as well. Parson Adams gives away all of his money to poor Joseph and protects Fanny from obduction. Similarly, People like Mr. Tow-Wouse permits Joseph to reside in his inn.
Influence of Fielding on other Novelists
Henry Fielding's upbringing of the uncertain genre and linking it to the sound classical traditions and dignity found in other classical genres. His characters are developed in proper plot. That is why, Fielding's distinctive creation of comic epic in prose, influenced many big names like Jane Austen, Dickens, George Eliot and Thackeray in the fictional industry. The structural influence of Tom Jones and Joseph Andrews is prominent in their writing.
Conclusion
Fielding's initial but fatherly contribution to novel brought it closer to the epics, dramas and even histories. Saintsbury conclusively notes,
Almost every kind of novel exists-potentially in his favour.
Source
- Lectures of Sir Nasir Iqbal
