Department of English

Prepared by: Ranjan P. Velari

Class: M.A. Sem-1

Paper No.: 2

Roll No.: 25

Topic: Reflection of 18th century of

England in Tom Jones

Submitted to: Smt.S.B. Gardi & M.K.

Bhavnagar University

Reflection of 18th

century of

England in Tom Jones

Henry Fielding was born in East Stour,

Dorset shire, in 1707.

His first novel, Joseph Andrews in

1742, and later novels are Jonathan Wild,

the story of a rogue, which suggests

Defoe’s narrative style.

The History of Tom Jones, a foundling

(1749).

Henry Fielding, the author of Tom Jones

happened to be one amongst those great writers

who did not draw their stories from classical and

Christian mythology, epics, history, Bible etc.

They took stories from the incidents which were

quite commonly occurring in that age.

The majority of characters including the hero

belong to the middle class family.

Tom Jones shows us not only the pious side of

the middle class, but it also exposes corruption

amongst them attitude towards other classes in

the society.

Tom Jones presents society as it was, it does

not exaggerate in any angle of literary

possibility of exaggeration.

Fielding’s novels, particularly Tom Jones, are

characterized by social satire, overflowing

realism, fresh and artistic moral approach,

good sense of humor and healthy sentiment.

Tom Jones and other 18th centuries novels reflect the

embodiment of specific moral intentions is and

historically introduce modification of the action form.

Tom Jones presents itself not only as a story but also

as an irresponsible volume of talk- Fielding’s talk and

while talk is sometimes about the story, it is definitely

talk and not an anything else.

The most troublesome matter, in this century of

formalist critical traditions, is the talking.

Tom Jones is a foundling discovered on the property of a very

mind, wealthy landowner, Squire Allworthy, in Somerset in

England’s West country.

Tom grows into a vigorous and lusty, yet honest and kindhearted

youth. He develops affection for his neighbor’s daughter Sophia

Western.

However, Tom’s status as a bastard causes Sophia’s father and

Allworthy to oppose their love; this criticism of class fiction in

society acted as a biting social commentary.

Tom Jones is said to be the portrayal of the urban London life of

18th century. He succeeded on putting morality, religion, social

status.

Thank You