The History of Tom Jones, a Foundling, often known simply as Tom Jones, is a comic novel by the English playwright and novelist Henry Fielding. The novel is both a Bildungsroman and a picaresque novel.
2. Fielding's TomJones
was published in
1749
is both one of the
great comic
masterpieces of
English literature and
a major force in the
development of the
novel form
genre: historical
fiction
3. According to the
dictionary
a NOVEL is
a fictional prose narrative
typically having a plot that
is unfolded by the actions,
speech, and thoughts of
the characters
4. Born in 1707
Educated from Eton
College
Trained in law
His literary career was
began in London
He criticized
Government and social
convetions
Died on October 8,
1754 in Lisbon, Portugal
HENRY FIELDING
5. He develops affection for his
neighbor’s daughter, Sophia
Western. On one hand, their love
reflects the romantic comedy
genre popular in 18th-century
Britain
He is a foundling
Characteristics of Tom Jones
6. a new kind of hero -The
unheroic hero - the
ordinary man
called ‘rebellious’ because
he doesn’t show his
emotion and goodness to
society
He is the character
through whom Fielding
gives voice to his
philosophy of Virtue
7. Tom’s love affairs
His true love –
Sophia
But he makes
numerous affairs
with various women
and was kind with
all that women
used to take risk
for women
8. THEMES
Good v/s Evil
adventure
human weakness
Desire for money, power, position
Law: Justice, Mercy, and
Judgment
“Trials”
‘’TOM JONES’’ is about truth and
human nature in itself…’’
9. MAIN CHARACTERS:
Tom Jones - protagonist
Sophia Western – the woman he
loved
Squire Allworthy - is a kind and
generous man
Blifil - is virtuous and honest but
really evil
Bridget Allworthy is Mr
Allworthy’s sister
10. Captain Blifil - marries Bridget
for her money.
Mr. Western - is a neighbour
of Mr Allworthy and the father of
Sophia Western
Mrs. Western - is the sister of
Mr Western and the aunt of
Sophia.
Lady Bellaston - woman who is
attracted to Tom Jones and wants
to keep him as her lover
11. Questions :
1. When was ‘’ The History of Tom Jones, a
foundling ‘’ published ?
2. What is a NOVEL ?
3. Why does society see Tom as rebellious ?
4. Why does Tom Jones make numerous
affair with various women ( including two
middle-aged ) ?
5. Who is Bridget Allworthy?