1730


 * The Grub Street Journal **

The Grub Street Journal began publication in January 1730. It was a weekly satirical newspaper edited by Richard Russel and John Martyn. The editors of the grub Street Journal wanted to differentiate themselves from other publications. They did this by infusing news with sarcasm, irony, and wit. Alexander Pope is believed to be a large contributor, if not one of the starters, of this publication. Many quotes of his and poems can be found dispersed throughout the various issues.

The Journal included sections on London News, Foreign News, Arts and Entertainment, Business, and Advertisements. Many of the publications in the London News and the Foreign News had to do with deaths, court cases, and funny anecdotes. In the January 8th, 1730 post, the writer noted that a group of vagabonds set a house on fire in Dusseldorf, Germany. Many times, the London News reported the inconsequential dealings of important people as a way to humanize them. The readers learned that on January 3rd, the Right Honorable Earl of Godolphin was in the process of building a stable for his running horses in New- Market, where Mr. Frampton's stables were formerly kept.

Pope Benedict XIII passed away on February 21st 1730, yet the writers chose to mention his death in a sentence on March 7th. The paragraphing telling of the popes' death also contained information about the Italians complaints about cod a fever and the possibility of war between the Emperor and the King of Spain. This lack of reverence to important moments is the norm in the Grub Street Journal.

On May 15th 1730, Robert Walpole, a staunch Whig, becomes prime minister of England. The editors of this publication are critical of Walpole and his actions, and oftentimes make him the target of their satire.

Theater and Literature are often discussed in the Grub Street Journal. In the February 12th, 1730 issue a comedic play entitled, The Humours of Oxford was reviewed. At first it is difficult to grasp if the writers enjoyed are hated the play. The writers comment that the public found the play to be awful, yet they go on to question the taste of the audience, calling their responses "irrational" and "prejudicial". However, it is this sort of back-handed compliment that the writers of this publication are known for. rather than praising the playwright for a good play, thy are critiquing the lack of originality in theater as a whole.


 * Tom Thumb. A Tragedy **

Tom Thumb, written by Henry Fielding, was performed at the Haymarket theatre in London in 1730. In this play, Thomas Thumb, whose birth was the result of magic performed by Merlin, enters the court of King Arthur. King Arthur’s wife, Queen Dollallolla is in love with Tom; however she shares this with no one. The play continues with the King falling in love with Queen Glumdalca, who was a ruler from a land that Tom defeated. As a reward to Tom for capturing this land, and bring him this beautiful woman, the King decides to reward Tom with anything of his choosing.

The trouble starts in this play when Tom decides that he wants to marry Princess Huncamunca. Queen Dollallolla is livid that her secret feelings are not reciprocated by Tom; unfortunately, he is in love with the Princess. Dollallolla decides to do everything in her power to prevent the marriage between Tom and Huncamunca from taking place. At first, Dollallolla and her partner, Lord Grizzle, decide to kill tom, then she decides she would rather King Arthur died so that she would be free to marry Tom.

The absurd actions of the characters continues with Princess Huncamunca, who decides that she can love both Tom and Lord Grizzle, the later came to her to plead his case and beg her not to marry Tom. However Tom decides that he and the Princess will marry regardless of the opinions of others. They go off to a parson and he marries them.At the same time, the captured Queen Glumdalca, believes herself in love with Tom, when he rejects her, she is upset. This anger is short-lived when she realizes that the King is also in love with her.

As the play draws to an end, Lord Grizzle is furious that the Princess married Tom Thumb, even though she offered to marry him in addition to Tom. As revenge he plans to gather rebels and kill Tom Thumb. While sleeping that night the ghost of tom Thumbs father comes to Kin Arthur, warning him of Lord Grizzle’s plot to kill both the King and Tom.

By the end of the play, Lord Grizzle has killed Queen Glumdalca, and Tom has cut off the head of Lord Grizzle. However, Tom dies when a large red cow swallows him. Queen Dollallolla, kills the courtier who brings the news of Tom’s death. The mistress of the courtier then kills the Queen to avenge the death of her lover. Princess Huncamunca then kills the mistress in order to avenge her mother’s death. A separate courtier then kills Princess Huncamunca, because of a deep seated grudge he has held against her. The Princesses maid then kills the courtier who killed the princess. The king then kills the maid as justice for taking a life. At the very end the king takes his own life believing that he has found glory in being the last to die.

**The London Stage: Theater Season in 1730**

In London, theater was extremely popular in 1730. It was the place to be seen and entertained. During this year many popular plays were presented. Shakespeare had a number of plays performed during this year, such as Macbeth, performed at Lincoln Inn Fields, Othello, Moor of Venice, performed at Drury Lane Theater, and Hamlet, performed at Goodman’s Field.

Another major play performed this year was The Way of the World, written by Congreve. This play was performed on January 5th, at the Drury Lane theater. The Way of the World is another play that is full of wit and irony.

Tom Thumb was first performed in May 1730 at the Haymarket Theater. This play was said to have been at the “particular desire of several ladies of quality”. Originally, Fielding wrote this play as a standalone. but then added it into The Author’s Farce.

Major incidents in theater that took place in 1730 include the closing of Goodman’s Fields in April after King George II removed the Royal approval. Even though Odell re opened his theater in May; he was performing without permission, or Royal sanction.

There was a close relationship during this time between the crown and the owners of theaters. The theater was a significant link to the people. Any information being giving to the people through lays had to receive approval from the crown. A theater owner out of favor with the king was in danger of being closed.


 * Analysis **

The majority of the information that I found while doing this research project completely support what was discussed in class and in the books. For instance, satire played a large role in eighteenth century English writing, both literature and newspapers. The Grub Street Journal is an example of a political and social satirical publication. The editors of this publication wanted to critique the behavior and actions of those that they felt were not living up to their responsibilities, somewhat in the form of an extended Spectator essay.

Although his name was never listed as an author, Alexander Pope shows up constantly in the writing of the Grub Street Journal, whether for quotes at the top of the page, or articles defending his actions and writings. The conflicts between the Whigs and the Tories can also be seen in this publication whenever Robert Walpole is mentioned in regards to his prime minister duties.

The play Tom Thumb, by Henry Fielding, is reminiscent of Gulliver’s Travels, in that the plot and story line are completely absurd, yet it is used to critique actions in society. Henry Fielding has his characters acting in illogical manners. I believe that the actions at King Arthur’s court, such as everyone falling in love with everyone, and killing each other for inane reasons, are Fielding’s critiques on court life during the reign of King George II.

Fielding, Henry. __Tom Thumb. A tragedy. As it is acted at the Theatre in the hay-market.__ London, 1730. __Eighteenth Century Collections Online__. Gale. University of Maryland College Park. 9 Dec. 2012  < @http://find.galegroup.com/ecco/infomark.do?&source=gale&prodId=ECCO&userGroupName=umd_um&tabID=T001&docId=CB126528922&type=multipage&contentSet=ECCOArticles&version=1.0&docLevel=FASCIMILE >.

//Grub Street Journal //  (London, England), Thursday, January 8, 1730; Issue I.

//Grub Street Journal //  (London, England), Thursday, March 12, 1730; Issue X.

Scouten, Arthur H. //The London Stage 1660 - 1800//. 1st ed. Vol. 2. Carbondale: Southern Illinois UP, 1960. Print. 28-105