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"The Adventures of Roderick Random" is a picaresque novel by Tobias Smollett, published in 1748. It follows the life of Roderick "Rory" Random, who is shunned by his father's family due to his mixed heritage. After his mother's death and his father's descent into madness, Random receives a free education from a coerced schoolmaster. Despite the abusive tutor, Random excels in languages and becomes popular among his classmates. He embarks on a series of adventures, facing discrimination and hardship while trying to attract wealthy women to improve his social standing. Along the way, he serves on British ships and encounters various characters. The novel portrays hypocrisy, greed, and injustice prevalent in society, including the Royal Navy's incompetence. It also explores themes such as privateering, slavery, prostitution, and corruption. Smollett's candid portrayal is influenced by his own experiences. The story ends happily when Random is reunited with his wealthy father and marries his love interest, Narcissa.