Rationalism Versus Passion: Determining the Full Cycle of a Developed Character in the Novel Joseph Andrews

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Rationalism Versus Passion: Determining the Full Cycle of a Developed Character in the Novel Joseph Andrews Cicero, a famous Roman orator once proclaimed, “He only employs his passion who can make no use of his reason.” Reason and rationalization are the basis for long-term happiness in Henry Fielding’s novel, Joseph Andrews. The struggles characters face when coming to terms between their decisions based on rationalization and passion expose two opposite strategies in thinking. This forms the basis for rich character development, and good story-telling. The importance of rational thinking versus passionate decision-making forms the distinguishing differences in character relationships and interactions between one another. It is evident that rationalization leads to long-term fulfillment, whereas, passion only satisfies immediate needs. In the beginning of Joseph Andrews, the reader is introduced to Lady Booby, one of many characters who face the crisis of choosing rationalism versus succumbing to passion. Lady Booby unwilling submits to the passions she feels for her servant, Joseph Andrews. Although he rejects her advancements, she continues throughout the novel to toil with the feelings she has for Joseph. After initially dismissing Joseph, Lady Booby struggles with trying to decide between two sets of different passions; one in which she may revoke his sentence because of her love for Joseph, and his honor, and the other to dismiss him based on her revenge and pride (83). Another instance of passion and rationalism is displayed in the side-story of the fateful lovers, Leonora and Horatio. The couple passionately engages with one another at the onset of their relationship. However, Horatio must leave on a short journey, in which calamity ensues. Horatio returns to find his lover consumed with passion for someone else. This second lover,
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