61 pages • 2 hours read
Tobias SmollettThe Expedition of Humphry Clinker
Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 1771A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.
Before You Read
Super Short Summary
The Expedition of Humphry Clinker by Tobias Smollett is an 18th-century epistolary picaresque novel chronicling the travels of the Bramble-Melford family through England and Scotland. Prompted by Matthew Bramble’s quest to alleviate his gout, the family's journey introduces them to a young man named Humphry Clinker, who joins their party, leading to adventures and evolving relationships. The novel explores themes of social class, vanity, and the contrast between urban and rural life, ultimately culminating in multiple weddings and the elevation of Humphry’s social status. The story includes outdated terms referring to Indigenous people.
Reviews & Readership
Review Roundup
Tobias Smollett's The Expedition of Humphry Clinker is often praised for its witty satire, vibrant characters, and masterful use of epistolary form. Some readers find the outdated language challenging and the narrative slow-paced. Despite these issues, the novel remains a seminal piece in 18th-century literature, appreciated for its humorous and insightful social commentary.
Who Should Read The Expedition of Humphry Clinker?
Readers who appreciate classic satirical novels and enjoy the epistolary style will be drawn to The Expedition of Humphry Clinker by Tobias Smollett. Fans of Don Quixote by Cervantes or Tristram Shandy by Sterne will find Smollett’s witty exploration of 18th-century society engaging and humorous.