Tom Jones

Definition

Tom Jones is a comic novel written by Henry Fielding, first published in 1749, that follows the adventures of a foundling named Tom Jones as he navigates the challenges of love, society, and morality in 18th-century England. The novel blends elements of picaresque storytelling and satire, reflecting the social dynamics of the time while evolving from Restoration comedy into more sentimental forms of narrative.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Tom Jones is often considered one of the first true English novels, showcasing Fielding's innovative narrative techniques and character development.
2. The novel features a wide range of characters, each representing different aspects of society, which allows Fielding to critique social class distinctions and moral hypocrisy.
3. Fielding employs a mix of humor and serious themes in Tom Jones, addressing issues like love, jealousy, and the search for identity.
4. The narrative structure includes digressions and commentary from the author, creating a unique storytelling style that engages the reader on multiple levels.
5. The evolution from Restoration comedy to sentimental comedy is evident in Tom Jones, where comedic elements are balanced with deeper emotional explorations and moral lessons.

Review Questions

• How does Tom Jones reflect the transition from Restoration comedy to sentimental comedy in its themes and character portrayal?
  • Tom Jones reflects this transition through its blend of humor and serious moral themes. While it retains the comedic elements characteristic of Restoration comedy, such as witty dialogue and farcical situations, it also delves into emotional depth and character development typical of sentimental comedy. This combination allows Fielding to explore complex human emotions and societal critiques while still entertaining readers.
• Discuss the role of picaresque elements in Tom Jones and how they contribute to the overall narrative.
  • The picaresque elements in Tom Jones are central to its narrative structure, as they allow the protagonist to embark on a series of adventures that expose the various facets of society. Through Tom's misadventures, readers encounter different social classes and moral dilemmas, highlighting the hypocrisy and corruption present in 18th-century England. This style not only entertains but also serves as a vehicle for social commentary, making it both an engaging story and a critique of contemporary society.
• Evaluate how Fielding's use of satire in Tom Jones serves to critique societal norms and values during the early 18th century.
  • Fielding's use of satire in Tom Jones is highly effective in critiquing societal norms and values prevalent in early 18th-century England. Through exaggerated characters and humorous situations, Fielding exposes the flaws in social class structures and moral hypocrisy. For instance, characters like Squire Allworthy represent benevolence yet embody societal contradictions. By employing satire alongside picaresque elements, Fielding not only entertains but challenges readers to reflect on their own moral beliefs and societal values during a time of significant change.

Related terms

Picaresque Novel: A genre of fiction that follows the adventures of a roguish hero or anti-hero, often from a low social class, who lives by their wits in a corrupt society.

Sentimental Comedy: A genre that emphasizes emotional responses and moral themes, often focusing on middle-class characters and resolving conflicts in a way that promotes virtue and goodness.

Satire: A literary technique that uses humor, irony, and exaggeration to criticize or mock individuals, institutions, or societal norms.