Tom Jones - Henry Fielding

Tom Jones

-        Henry Fielding

       Henry Fielding was an English novelist and dramatist. He was best known for his rich, earthy humour and satirical ability. “The History of Tom Jones, a Foundling” often known simply as “Tom Jones”. It is a comic novel. The novel is a picaresque novel.

  

     In “Tom Jones”, Fielding has presented a new kind of hero. We can say that the novel is the journey of Tom to be a hero. As per traditional characteristics of hero, a hero should be loyal, from good family, brave and moral. Tom is a foundling, having many female friends, and betrayed many girls. He escapes from situations and not so brave. In the journey he faced many adventures and also become more responsible and loyal towards Sophia, his beloved.

   

    The novel presents the satire on the elite society. Sophia’s father was not wanted to accept the relationship of Tom and Sophia because he was a foundling. But actually he was the son of the most reputed family and his Mr. Allworthy’s sister Ms. Bridget Allworthy who was later married to Mr. Blifil. There is very confusion in novel about relationships. Bridget Allworthy is the real mother of Tom Jones, but to hide that it was implied that Tom is the son of Jenny Jones, who was later known as Mrs. Waters who also tried to seduce Tom in the hotel room.

  

     The novel contains the themes like Good vs. Evil, desire for money and power, deed and doers and corrupt humanity. The description of upper and lower class is presented in the novel when the secret of Tom’s parenthood was released. There is also different representation of women for example Ms. Allworthy was having Tom as son before marriage, Jenny Jones was ready to be a mother of Tom for money and she was later as Mrs. Waters tried to seduce Tom.