logo

61 pages 2 hours read

The Expedition of Humphry Clinker

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 1771

A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.

Book Brief

logo
Tobias Smollett

The Expedition of Humphry Clinker

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 1771
Book Details
Pages

414

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Great Britain • 1770s

Publication Year

1771

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

Roundup icon

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 The story includes outdated terms referring to Indigenous people.

Humorous

Adventurous

Nostalgic

Bittersweet

Contemplative

Reviews & Readership

3.8

3,509 ratings

49%

Loved it

30%

Mixed feelings

20%

Not a fan

Roundup icon

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 Some readers find the outdated language challenging and the narrative slow-paced.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 this

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.

3.8

3,509 ratings

49%

Loved it

30%

Mixed feelings

20%

Not a fan

Character List

Matthew Bramble

A middle-aged Welsh man who is wealthy, unmarried, and travels with his family. He appears grumpy and discontented but is compassionate and caring, especially to those he perceives as suffering.

Matthew Bramble's sister, who is older and actively seeking a husband. She is often depicted humorously in her pursuit of eligible men during the family's journey.

A sweet and modest young woman, Lydia is Matthew Bramble's niece. She writes letters to her friends and is caught between familial duty and her own romantic interests during the journey.

A young, well-educated man and Matthew Bramble's nephew, he contributes to the narrative through his letters. Jeremy observes the events around him with humor and is protective of his sister, Lydia.

Tabitha Bramble's personal maid who gains insight from the family's journey and communicates through letters. She is one of the characters who experiences significant personal growth.

Initially an impoverished peasant, he impresses others with his honesty and problem-solving skills. He becomes associated with the Bramble-Melford family during their travels.

Book Details
Pages

414

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Great Britain • 1770s

Publication Year

1771

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

Continue your reading experience

Subscribe now to unlock the rest of this Study Guide plus our full library, which features expert-written summaries and analyses of 8,000+ additional titles.