Limited Options for Women: For women like Molly, who lack wealth or social standing, marriage (or
relationships with wealthy men) becomes a means of economic survival, reflecting the limited
opportunities available to women in Fielding’s time.
5. Resolution and Ideal Marriage
By the end of the novel, the marriage of Tom and Sophia symbolizes the triumph of love and personal
growth over socio-economic pressures:
Reconciliation of Love and Status: Although initially seen as unsuitable due to his illegitimacy, Tom is
revealed to be the true heir of a wealthy family, allowing his union with Sophia to satisfy both
romantic and socio-economic criteria.
Critique and Reform: Fielding suggests that while socio-economic considerations in marriage are
inevitable, they should not come at the expense of love, virtue, and mutual respect.
Conclusion
In Tom Jones, marriage is depicted as a socio-economic alliance deeply embedded in the social fabric
of 18th-century England. Fielding critiques the mercenary nature of such unions while advocating for a
balance between love and practical considerations. Through the diverse experiences of his characters,
the novel offers a nuanced exploration of how marriage operates as both a personal and societal
institution.
DEPICTION OF 18TH CENTURY SOCIETY IN THE NOVEL TOM JONES
Henry Fielding’s The History of Tom Jones, a Foundling (1749) provides a vivid and multifaceted
depiction of 18th-century English society. Through its characters, settings, and plotlines, the novel
reflects the social, cultural, and economic realities of the time. Fielding uses satire, realism, and moral
commentary to portray the complexities of the society, addressing issues such as class divisions,
morality, gender roles, and social institutions.
1. Class Hierarchy and Social Mobility
Rigid Class Structure: The novel reflects the deeply entrenched class system of the 18th century,
where social status largely determined one’s opportunities and relationships. Characters like Sophia
Western, who comes from an aristocratic family, are expected to marry within their class, while Tom’s
perceived illegitimacy initially excludes him from such considerations.
Social Mobility: Despite the rigid class system, the novel also highlights instances of social mobility.
Tom’s journey from a foundling to the heir of a wealthy family demonstrates the possibility of upward
mobility, though this is portrayed as an exception rather than the norm.
2. Marriage as a Social Institution
Marriage in the novel is depicted as a tool for consolidating wealth and power rather than a union
based on love.
Squire Western’s Plans for Sophia: Squire Western's obsession with marrying Sophia to Blifil
emphasizes the use of marriage to merge estates and preserve family wealth.
Critique of Mercenary Marriages: Through unhappy unions like Mrs. Fitzpatrick’s, Fielding critiques
the prioritization of materialism over personal compatibility.
3. Morality and Hypocrisy
Fielding exposes the moral contradictions and hypocrisies prevalent in 18th-century society:
Religious Hypocrisy: Characters like Thwackum, a tutor, represent the self-serving and judgmental
clergy, who preach morality but act out of greed and bias.
Public vs. Private Morality: Fielding contrasts outward appearances with private behaviors, satirizing
those who project piety or virtue while engaging in immoral acts.
4. Gender Roles and Women’s Position
Patriarchal Society: Women are largely depicted as subordinate to men, with their futures often
dictated by fathers, husbands, or male guardians. For example, Squire Western treats Sophia as a
possession to be bartered in marriage.
Limited Agency: The novel portrays the constraints faced by women, from Sophia’s struggles to resist
an arranged marriage to Molly Seagrim’s precarious position as a working-class woman reliant on men
for survival.
Complex Female Characters: Despite societal limitations, Fielding portrays women with agency and
complexity, such as Sophia’s moral courage and Lady Bellaston’s use of wealth to assert power.
5. Urban vs. Rural Life
The novel contrasts the lifestyles and values of rural and urban settings:
Rural Life: The countryside is depicted as a place of tradition, simplicity, and sometimes ignorance, as
seen in Squire Western’s rustic lifestyle.
Urban Life: London represents sophistication and corruption, with characters like Lady Bellaston
symbolizing the moral decadence and materialism of city life.
6. Satire of Social Institutions
Fielding critiques several institutions that shaped 18th-century society:
The Legal System: The novel exposes the inequities of the legal system, where justice is often
influenced by wealth and social connections.
The Church: Religious figures like Thwackum and Square are satirized for their self-righteousness and
lack of true moral integrity.
Education: The tutors Thwackum and Square exemplify the failures of the educational system,
prioritizing dogma and self-interest over genuine learning or moral guidance.
7. Economic Changes
The novel reflects the shifting economic dynamics of the time, such as the growing importance of
commerce and wealth over traditional aristocratic values. Characters like Lady Bellaston, who uses
her wealth to exert power, demonstrate the rising influence of money in social interactions.
8. Moral Philosophy and Human Nature
Fielding’s portrayal of society is deeply informed by his moral philosophy:
Virtue and Vice: The novel explores human virtues like generosity and compassion (embodied by Tom)
alongside vices like greed and deceit (seen in Blifil and Lady Bellaston).
Human Complexity: Fielding presents characters as morally complex, avoiding simplistic distinctions
between good and evil.
Conclusion- Tom Jones offers a comprehensive and critical depiction of 18th-century society,
addressing its class dynamics, gender roles, moral contradictions, and institutional flaws. Through
satire and realism, Fielding critiques the inequities and hypocrisies of his time while celebrating
virtues like love, kindness, and personal growth. The novel serves as both a social commentary and a
vivid portrait of the world in which it was written.
Importance of Narrator in the novel Tom Jones
The narrator in The History of Tom Jones, a Foundling plays a pivotal role in shaping the novel’s tone,
structure, and themes. Henry Fielding’s narrator is not merely an observer but an active, highly
distinctive presence, characterized by wit, irony, and moral commentary. The narrator’s importance
lies in how they guide the reader’s understanding of the story, frame the action, and establish a direct
relationship with the audience.
1. Narrator as a Moral Guide
The narrator frequently interjects to offer reflections on morality, human nature, and society, serving
as a moral compass for the reader.
Fielding uses the narrator to critique hypocrisy, greed, and vice, while celebrating virtues like honesty,
kindness, and love. These insights help readers interpret the characters’ actions within a broader
ethical framework.
2. Satirical Voice
The narrator’s satirical tone is one of the defining features of the novel. Through humor, irony, and
mockery, the narrator critiques societal norms, institutions, and pretensions, particularly those
related to class, marriage, and morality.
For instance, the narrator ridicules characters like Thwackum and Square, who embody religious and
philosophical hypocrisy, exposing their flaws in a humorous yet incisive manner.
3. Establishing a Direct Relationship with the Reader
The narrator often breaks the fourth wall, addressing the reader directly in a conversational and
engaging manner. This creates a sense of intimacy and makes the reader an active participant in the
narrative.
In the introductory chapters of each book, the narrator digresses to discuss topics ranging from
literature to human nature, reinforcing their role as a storyteller who is consciously constructing the
narrative.
4. Control of Plot and Pacing:- The narrator plays a crucial role in structuring the novel, controlling the
pace of the story and the release of information. They frequently digress, delay key revelations, or
comment on the unfolding events, creating suspense or humor.
For example, the narrator delays the revelation of Tom’s true parentage until the climax, heightening
the dramatic impact of the resolution.
5. Unreliable yet Trustworthy
While the narrator is omniscient, they also admit their limitations and subjectivity at times. This blend
of authority and fallibility makes the narrator relatable and adds depth to their commentary.
By acknowledging the constructed nature of storytelling, the narrator invites the reader to reflect on
the nature of fiction and truth.
Major Themes in Tom Jones
Henry Fielding’s Tom Jones is one of the greatest picaresque novels in English literature. It
explores themes such as morality, virtue, fate, and social class through the adventures of its
protagonist, Tom Jones. The novel combines satire, humor, and philosophical reflection to
provide a commentary on 18th-century English society.
1. Morality and Hypocrisy:- Fielding challenges conventional morality by contrasting genuine
virtue with hypocrisy. Tom Jones, despite his flaws, is inherently kind and honest, while
characters like Blifil and Thwackum appear moral but are deceitful. The novel suggests that
true morality lies in good intentions and actions rather than outward appearances. Fielding
criticizes the rigid moral standards of his time, showing how hypocrites often enjoy social
success while genuinely good people struggle.
2. Virtue and Vice:- The novel questions traditional notions of virtue, particularly in relation
to sexuality and honor. Sophia Western represents idealized virtue, being modest and
morally upright. Tom, despite his romantic escapades, is ultimately depicted as good-hearted.
Meanwhile, women like Molly Seagrim and Mrs. Waters are condemned for their sexual
freedom, highlighting the double standards of society. Fielding suggests that virtue should be
judged by character rather than strict moral codes.
3. Fate, Fortune, and Providence:- Tom’s life is shaped by fate, coincidence, and unexpected
turns of fortune. He experiences drastic shifts from wealth to poverty and back, emphasizing
life’s unpredictability. However, Fielding also suggests that providence ultimately ensures
justice, as Tom is eventually rewarded for his goodness. This theme reflects the belief that
while fate plays a role in human life, virtue will ultimately triumph.
4. Social Class and Corruption:- The novel critiques the rigid class system and social
inequality. Tom, though noble by birth, is raised as a foundling and faces discrimination. Blifil,
despite his privileged status, is corrupt and selfish. Fielding highlights how social rank does
not determine one’s moral worth. Aristocrats, magistrates, and clergymen are often depicted
as corrupt, while lower-class characters sometimes show greater honesty and kindness.
Through satire, the novel exposes the moral decay of the upper classes.
5. Gender and Double Standards:- Fielding challenges gender roles and the limited choices
available to women. Sophia struggles between love and duty, representing the societal
expectation that women should be obedient and chaste. Meanwhile, women like Molly and
Mrs. Waters, who defy these expectations, are judged more harshly than men. The novel
critiques the double standards that allow men sexual freedom while condemning women for
similar behavior.
6. Education and Experience:- The novel questions the effectiveness of formal education.
Tom, though uneducated, learns through experience and develops a strong moral sense. In
contrast, Blifil, who receives a formal education, is deceitful and selfish. Fielding suggests that
real wisdom comes from experience rather than book learning alone. This theme supports
the idea that morality is better shaped by life’s challenges than by rigid teachings.
7. Love and Marriage:- The novel presents different perspectives on love and marriage. Tom
and Sophia’s relationship represents true love, while other marriages, such as Squire
Western’s, are based on duty or financial concerns. Fielding ultimately supports marriage
based on love rather than social ambition. The novel criticizes the practice of forcing women
into marriages for wealth or status, promoting the idea that happiness should be the
foundation of a union.
8. Satire and Social Criticism:- Fielding uses satire and humor to expose human foolishness
and corruption. He mocks religious hypocrisy through Thwackum, false morality through
Blifil, and legal corruption through the magistrates. The novel is filled with ironic
commentary, making it both entertaining and thought-provoking. Fielding’s satirical approach
allows him to critique society while keeping the reader engaged through humor.
Conclusion:- Tom Jones is a novel rich in themes, offering a deep exploration of morality,
social class, fate, and love. Through its vivid characters and satirical tone, Fielding critiques
society while emphasizing the importance of genuine virtue over rigid moral codes. The novel
ultimately celebrates personal growth, kindness, and justice, making it a timeless and
insightful work.
Tom Jones by Henry Fielding is often regarded as one of the most important examples of a
Bildungsroman in English literature. A Bildungsroman, or "novel of formation," is a literary
genre that focuses on the psychological and moral growth of the protagonist from youth to
adulthood, emphasizing their development through various experiences, challenges, and
personal struggles.
Bildungsroman in Tom Jones
The central character of Tom Jones, Tom (Thomas Jones), undergoes a significant
transformation throughout the novel, embodying the essential features of the Bildungsroman
genre.
1. The Protagonist's Early Life and Origins: Tom Jones is introduced as an abandoned child
who is found by Squire Allworthy, a wealthy landowner. He is raised at Allworthy's estate,
where he grows up surrounded by love and affection, though he is often in trouble due to his
impulsive nature and lack of proper guidance. Tom's unknown parentage becomes a major
part of his identity quest. Early in the novel, Tom exhibits qualities of both innocence and
mischievousness, and his lack of discipline leads him into a series of moral and social
dilemmas.
2. Moral Development and Struggles: Tom's journey through life is filled with numerous
adventures, from his escapades with women, to his involvement in fights and
misunderstandings. However, these incidents serve to test his character and help him grow
morally. Throughout the narrative, Tom learns about virtue, vice, love, loyalty, and self-
awareness.
Impulsiveness and Innocence: In the beginning, Tom is often guided by instinct and passion
rather than reason or moral consideration. His pursuit of love, as seen in his affection for
Sophia Western, is sometimes misguided, leading him to make rash decisions, such as his
affair with Lady Bellaston.
The Search for Identity: Tom's moral education is closely linked to his search for identity, as
he struggles to reconcile his uncertain parentage and status. His journey to learn the truth
about his parentage represents a crucial element of his self-discovery. Tom's eventual
recognition of his true birth is a key moment in his maturation.
Tom’s Inner Conflict: Fielding portrays Tom as a figure who grapples with internal conflict
between his natural impulses and the moral values he is expected to adhere to. Over time, he
becomes more capable of discerning right from wrong, and his experiences with other
characters serve to shape his moral sensibilities.
3. Love and Relationships as a Vehicle for Growth: Tom’s relationships, particularly with
Sophia Western, serve as one of the most important means through which his character
develops. His love for Sophia, a woman of his social class, forces him to confront his desires,
ambitions, and shortcomings.
Sophia’s Influence: Sophia represents both a literal and symbolic form of "goodness" and
"virtue" in Tom’s life. Her love challenges him to improve and become a better person,
aligning him with more socially accepted and virtuous values. Sophia's loyalty to Tom, even in
the face of obstacles, plays a significant role in his eventual moral and social advancement.
The Role of Other Relationships: Tom’s interactions with characters such as Squire Allworthy,
Blifil, and Lady Bellaston are all instrumental in shaping his character. They force Tom to
navigate complex social dynamics and make decisions that contribute to his maturation.
Squire Allworthy, for instance, serves as a father figure who instills the values of generosity
and justice, while Blifil serves as a foil to Tom’s character, representing the more cynical and
calculating approach to life.
4. Social and Class Movements: The Bildungsroman often explores the protagonist’s
relationship with society and their place within it. In Tom Jones, Tom's movement through
various social strata reflects his growth and transformation. Although Tom starts as an
illegitimate child of uncertain origins, his eventual rise in social standing symbolizes his
development from a naive, impulsive young man into a morally sound, socially responsible
adult.
Class and Identity: Throughout the novel, Tom faces the limitations imposed by his social
status, which he gradually overcomes. His eventual acceptance into society, alongside the
revelation of his noble birth, reflects the theme of personal growth transcending social and
class boundaries.
Fielding’s Satire of Society: As Tom navigates the complex social structure, Fielding uses satire
to expose the hypocrisy and superficiality of social conventions. Tom’s eventual success and
self-realization challenge the rigid class structures of the time, suggesting that individual
growth and moral integrity should be the true measures of a person’s worth.
5. Conclusion and Full Maturation: By the end of the novel, Tom has undergone a complete
transformation. He is no longer the reckless, impulsive young man who was swayed by every
whim, but a man who has learned the values of responsibility, love, loyalty, and honesty. He
marries Sophia, and his recognition of his true parentage (he is revealed to be the son of a
nobleman) signifies his full integration into society.His maturation is not just social, but also
personal, as he gains control over his emotions and desires, proving that he is worthy of
Sophia’s love and his rightful place in society.
Key Elements of Bildungsroman in Tom Jones:
A Journey of Self-Discovery: Tom's quest to understand his identity and his origins is a central
element.
Moral Growth: His character evolves through a series of misadventures, showing his
increasing moral awareness.
Relationship Dynamics: Tom’s relationships, especially with Sophia, help him mature
emotionally and socially.
Conflict Between Desire and Morality: Tom wrestles with his instincts, desires, and societal
expectations, ultimately leading him toward moral and personal growth.
In sum, Tom Jones fits the Bildungsroman model perfectly, as it depicts the development of
Tom from a naive, impulsive youth into a more mature and morally aware adult, shaped by
his experiences, relationships, and struggles with societal expectations.
