The Expedition of Humphry Clinker

Throughout the novel, characters (primarily Matthew) experience immersion in different bodies of water, including geothermal springs, the ocean, ponds, and rivers. These immersions are sometimes intentional and sometimes accidental; at the time that Smollett was writing, “bathing cures” (immersion in seawater, geothermal springs, or other natural bodies of water) were popularly prescribed for individuals suffering from a variety of ailments. The initial impetus for all of the travels is for Matthew to find relief from his gout, so he seeks out locations such as Bath, Bristol, and Scarborough where he can immerse himself in water. At other times, characters unintentionally end up immersed in water, such as when Lismahago tricks Sir Bulford into jumping into the pond, and notably when Matthew falls into the river during a carriage accident and nearly drowns.

The motif of immersion in water reveals the tension between orchestrated events and the unplanned; when intentionally “bathing” in search of a cure for his gout, Matthew experiences little relief, and is often disgusted by both the conditions and social niceties surrounding him. Mathew’s unplanned and organic experiences related to immersion in water also involve Humphry: When he is bathing in Scarborough, Humphry mistakenly thinks he is drowning and drags Matthew out of the sea, exposing his naked body to onlookers. Later, Humphry does actually save Matthew from drowning after the carriage is overturned and he plunges into a river. These episodes feature elements (natural bodies of water, nudity, an unexpected plunge into the river) that thematically allude to the relationship between Matthew and Humphry: Humphry is Matthew’s illegitimate son (sometimes referred to as a natural son). He was conceived in unplanned and unsanctioned circumstances, and then found his way back to Matthew through coincidence and serendipity. Unlike the superficial socialization that occurs at fashionable bathing places, Humphry acts spontaneously and out of genuine loyalty when he helps Matthew during these immersions.

The motif of immersion in water also alludes to baptism and rebirth. In many Christian sects, some form of immersion in water is used as part of a ritual to initiate an individual into the practice of Christian faith. In secular terms, immersion in water can reflect a new beginning and a fresh start, washing away previous experiences and identities. When Humphry is immersed in the water during the carriage accident just before his true identity is revealed, he is symbolically reborn into a new identity and social position. This motif also alludes to his devout Christian faith, which sustains him through the obstacles and challenges he encounters.