Joseph Andrews Allusions & Cultural References

When authors refer to other great works, people, and events, it’s usually not accidental. Put on your super-sleuth hat and figure out why.

Literary and Philosophical References

  • Colley Cibber, poet laureate in eighteenth century England (1.1.4).
  • Homer, Greek poet (2.9.2).
  • Narcissus, vain youth in mythology (2.12.2).
  • Daedalus, father of Icarus, from Ovid (2.17.1).
  • Atlantis writers, Delarivier Manley (3.3.3).
  • Voltaire (3.3.3).
  • Alexander Pope (3.3.15).
  • Hylus, young man loved by Hercules (3.6.1).
  • John Kelly, Pamela's Conduct in the High Life (4.16.20).

Historical References

  • Carthagena, British attack on Spanish city of Carthagena in 1741 (2.7.9).
  • Pompey and Caesar, the battle of Pharsalia in 48 B.C. (2.9.2).
  • Alexander the Great (3.5.4).