The Adventures of Roderick Random

Melopoyn Recounts His Early Life and Poetic Upbringing

At the narrator’s request, Melopoyn begins recounting his life story. His father was a country curate who, unable to afford university education, took responsibility for his son’s instruction himself. The father carefully observed Melopoyn’s natural inclinations and discovered an early aptitude for poetry. He guided his son through intensive study of the classics, assisting with paternal zeal and uncommon erudition. After sufficient mastery of the ancients, the father directed studies toward the best modern authors in French, Italian, and English, with particular emphasis on mastering the mother tongue. At eighteen, Melopoyn began planning his tragedy with his father’s approval, but before completing four acts, his father died, leaving him and his mother in poverty. A kinsman took them in, and Melopoyn finished his play before his mother also passed away. Afterward, he resolved to travel to London and offer his tragedy to the stage, confident of achieving fame and fortune.

Melopoyn Travels to London to Submit His Tragedy

Melopoyn secures passage to London, where he rents a garret apartment to live as frugally as possible. Although confident of a good reception, he seeks to apply promptly to the theatre manager. His landlord, a tallow chandler, cautions him against expecting easy access and explains that delivering his work without proper recommendation would likely go unheeded. The landlord proposes introducing Melopoyn to Father O’Varnish, a Catholic priest who confesses one of the patentee managers named Mr. Supple. The friar approves the tragedy, particularly praising Melopoyn for avoiding religious reflections, and promises to use his influence with his son Supple. He arranges for Melopoyn to visit the manager the next morning using his name for immediate admittance.