Web resources on the eighteenth century and the rise of the novel are numerous; here are a few with immediate relevance to Fielding. Choose ONE of the following assignments, and post a 100-word report on the course folder.
1. If you're interested in connections between visual and literary arts in the eighteenth century, take a look at these Hogarth prints, which you might consider in the light of the comparative analysis of Hogarth and Fielding made by Ronald Paulson, The Art of Hogarth in the Reed library (ND497. H7 P37). Paulson makes a fascinating argument about the ways in which the Hogarth prints allow multiple readings (because the viewer can view them from the perspective of "master" or "apprentice"), whereas, in his view, Fielding's narrative imposes a "master" (cultural elite) view upon the reader. If you choose not to read parts of Paulson, your 100 words should simply compare and contrast some aspect of these prints with some aspect of the Joseph Andrews.
2. Read and evaluate this article by Lothar Cerny on Iser's use of Tom Jones and Joseph Andrews in developing his theories of reader response.
3. Read and evaluate "Fielding's Satirical Attack on London in Joseph Andrews" by Alexander Pitofsky .