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Similes
Book 1, Chapter 8
Explanation and Analysis:
Fielding displays an extremely versatile style through Joseph Andrews, adjusting the flavor and flourish of his language to humorous effect. His writing is clearly influenced by the neoclassical, mock-heroic aesthetic prevalent in 18th century writing, as at the beginning of Book 1, Chapter 8:
Now the Rake Hesperus had called for his Breeches, and having well rubbed his drowsy Eyes, prepared to dress himself for all Night; by whose Example his Brother Rakes on Earth likewise leave those Beds, in which they had slept away the Day. Now Thetis the good Housewife began to put on the Pot in order to regale the good Man Phæbus, after his daily Labours were over. In vulgar Language, it was in the Evening when Joseph attended his Lady’s Orders.
Passages like this display Fielding's ability to manipulate classical style and over-use the particular structure of classical poetry for humorous and dramatic effect.
At the very same time, Fielding appears to be aware of the density of his language, and he keeps one foot in clear, accessible, and spare prose devoid of any sort of neoclassical extravagance. He often doubles his writing so that part of the narrative arrives in his mock-epic style before he translates it into plain, “vulgar” writing, as above: Fielding succinctly rephrases his elaborate description of nightfall as “it was in the Evening when Joseph attended his Lady’s Orders.”
