2 - Narrative improper

Summary

Narrative proper

Straight plot

Compared to the narrative imbroglio of Tristram Shandy, Joseph Andrews appears to be a manifestly straight narrative. As its full title suggests – The History of the Adventures of Joseph Andrews … – it depicts the actions, adventures, misadventures, trials, tribulations, and victories of Joseph, as well as of Adams and Fanny, that occur for the most part strung along the arc of his journey. The narrative is straight not only content-wise, in ascribing novelistic events like the dog fight or the various comic scenes of seduction, but in several interrelated ways. Temporally, the plot of Joseph's adventures is readily decipherable and orderly, generally adhering to a consistent, progressive historical chronology. Spatially or geographically, the plot follows a natural novelistic form, from an initial remove from “home,” through a series of wanderings, finally culminating in the plot correction of a return.

Further, the plot records a social success story, whereby Joseph goes from footboy to propertied gentleman, invoking the standard narrative trajectory of “making it,” of attaining wealth and social position. This is also inscribed as a return of sorts – Joseph claiming his birthright – but the plot line is a straight one, the vertical teleology of a social climb. In other words, the plot is straight both formally and thematically. This social ascent overlaps with a relatively straight plot of discovery of identity; Joseph discovers his true name, thus enabling the plot machinations of his social ascent, his garnering social position and wealth.