Page 59 - DENG404_FICTION

Jayatee Bhattacharya, Lovely Professional University Unit 5: Joseph Andrews-IV: Detailed Study of the Text

Unit 5: Joseph Andrews-IV: Detailed Notes

Study of the Text

CONTENTS
Objectives
Introduction
5.1 Book IV, Chapters I through VIII
5.1.1 Analysis
5.2 Book IV, Chapters IX through XVI

5.2.1 Analysis
5.3 Summary
5.4 Keywords
5.5 Review Questions

5.6 Further Readings

Objectives

After studying this unit, you will be able to:
• Explain Joseph Andrews-IV, detailed study of the text of Book IV, all chapters
• Discuss analysis of Book IV all chapters.

Introduction

On seeing Joseph arrive back in the parish, a jealous Lady Booby meanders through emotions
as diverse as rage, pity, hatred, pride and love. The next morning Joseph and Fanny’s banns
are published and the Lady turns her anger onto Parson Adams, who is accommodating
Fanny at his house. Finding herself powerless either to stop the marriage or to expel them
from the parish, she enlists the help of Lawyer Scout, who brings a spurious charge of larceny
against Joseph and Fanny in order to prevent, or at least postpone, the wedding.

Three days later, the Lady’s plans are foiled by the visit of her nephew, Mr Booby, and a
surprise guest: Booby has married Pamela, granting Joseph a powerful new ally and brother-
in-law. What is more, Booby is an acquaintance of the justice presiding over Joseph and
Fanny’s trial, and instead of Bridewell, has them committed to his own custody. Knowing of
his sister’s antipathy to the two lovers, Booby offers to reunite Joseph with his sister and take
him and Fanny into his own parish and his own family.

In a discourse with Joseph on stoicism and fatalism, Adams instructs his friend to submit to
the will of God and control his passions, even in the face of overwhelming tragedy. In the kind
of cruel juxtaposition usually reserved for Fielding’s less savoury characters, Adams is informed
that his youngest son, Jacky, has drowned. After indulging his grief in a manner contrary to
his lecture a few minutes previously, Adams is informed that the report was premature, and
that his son had in fact been rescued by the same pedlar that loaned him his last few shillings
in Book II.

LOVELY PROFESSIONAL UNIVERSITY 53