The Works of Henry Fielding

The Works of Henry Fielding is a collection that showcases the playwright's satirical prowess and his critique of contemporary theatrical practices. The excerpt provided includes two of Fielding's intermediary works: The Author's Farce and The Tragedy of Tragedies; or The Life and Death of Tom Thumb the Great. The Author's Farce is a comedic play that explores the struggles of a playwright named Luckless who faces the challenges of getting his work accepted by the theater. The play humorously critiques the theatrical world highlighting the absurdities and difficulties faced by writers in gaining recognition and financial stability. Through witty dialogues and exaggerated characters Fielding exposes the superficiality and commercialism prevalent in the theater industry of his time. The Tragedy of Tragedies on the other hand is a burlesque play that parodies the conventions of classical tragedy. It follows the story of Tom Thumb a diminutive hero and his adventures in a fantastical world. Fielding employs hyperbolic language and absurd situations to mock the grandiose style of traditional tragedies. The play is accompanied by annotations from H. Scriblerus Secundus which further enhance the satirical tone by providing humorous commentary on the text. Through this work Fielding not only entertains but also critiques the pretentiousness and formulaic nature of tragic plays. Overall The Works of Henry Fielding offers a glimpse into the playwright's ability to blend humor with social commentary. His works serve as a reflection of the theatrical landscape of the 18th century providing insights into the challenges faced by playwrights and the often farcical nature of the theater industry.