HPSC ASSIST PROF EXAM
UNIT – 3 FICTION
UPDATED SYLLABUS NOTES
Henry Fielding: Tom Jones
Introduction
"Tom Jones," a comic novel written by Henry Fielding, was published
in 1749. It is regarded as one of the earliest and most significant
novels in the English literary canon. The book intricately weaves
themes of love, social class, morality, and adventure through the
narrative of its eponymous protagonist. This summary will provide a
comprehensive overview of the plot while offering detailed analyses
of the key characters.
Plot Summary
"Tom Jones" opens with the introduction to the protagonist, Tom
Jones, a foundling discovered as a baby in the bed of the wealthy
landowner Squire Allworthy. Despite his humble beginnings and the
prejudice he faces due to his illegitimacy, Tom is raised with great
care and affection by Allworthy, who is depicted as a benevolent and
just figure.
As Tom grows up, several themes are introduced, including class
disparity and moral integrity. Tom is a quintessential bildungsroman
hero—adventurous, passionate, and often naive. His primary love
interest is Sophia Western, the beautiful daughter of the squire's
neighbor, who has his eyes set on her. Meanwhile, nobleman Blifil,
Squire Allworthy’s nephew, embodies ambition and deception,
working to manipulate situations to his advantage and win
Allworthy’s favor.
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Tom's social position becomes complicated as he falls hopelessly in
love with Sophia while simultaneously being pursued by Lady
Bellaston, a wealthy widow who seeks to seduce him. When Squire
Allworthy discovers Tom’s indiscretion, stemming from a
misunderstanding about his relationship with Sophia, he chooses to
send Tom away, further compounding the young man's challenges.
Throughout his journey, Tom embarks on various adventures,
encountering a colorful cast of characters, each representing different
aspects of society. He travels through the English countryside,
experiencing comedic misadventures and moral dilemmas. Tom's
naivety often leads him into trouble, yet his innate goodness prevails,
showcasing Fielding’s exploration of moral philosophy.
As the narrative progresses, multiple plot twists and
misunderstandings arise. Tom faces accusations of theft and false
relationships, particularly with the debauched Lady Bellaston, who
tries to impede his pursuit of Sophia. Blifil, scheming against Tom,
reveals a darker side of human nature, portraying jealousy and
hypocrisy within the upper echelons of society.
In the climax of the story, the truth about Tom’s birth and parentage is
revealed; he is, in fact, of noble blood, being the illegitimate son of a
nobleman. The revelation provides the narrative's concluding twist,
allowing Tom to reclaim his rightful status and secure his marriage to
Sophia. The novel ends with a celebration of love and virtue,
underscoring the notion that true worth is determined by one's actions
and character rather than birthright alone.
Character Analysis
1. Tom Jones:
o Role: The central character and protagonist of the novel.
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o Traits: Tom is characterized by his innocence, charm, physical
exuberance, and moral core. He epitomizes the qualities of the
"good nature" that Fielding champions, despite societal obstacles.
o Development: Tom's journey from a foundling to a recognized
gentleman reflects his personal growth and maturation. He
navigates through his passionate, youthful indiscretions but
demonstrates a capacity for change as he learns the complexities
of love, loyalty, and morality.
2. Squire Allworthy:
o Role: Tom’s guardian, a wealthy and benevolent landowner.
o Traits: He symbolizes good governance and justice. His kindness
towards Tom exemplifies moral integrity, although he sometimes
misjudges circumstances.
o Development: Allworthy’s character represents the ideals of
virtue and the moral responsibilities of the upper class. His
eventual endorsement of Tom’s character represents the theme of
redemption and acceptance.
3. Sophia Western:
o Role: Tom's love interest, daughter of Squire Western.
o Traits: Intelligent, spirited, and virtuous, Sophia embodies the
ideal woman of her time. She is strong-willed and independent,
actively pursuing her own happiness rather than submitting to
societal pressures.
o Development: Throughout the novel, Sophia's steadfast love for
Tom contrasts sharply with the societal expectations imposed
upon her. Her determination to marry for love rather than status
highlights her strength as a female character, affirming the
importance of true affection over wealth or position.
4. Blifil:
o Role: The antagonist, Squire Allworthy’s scheming nephew.
o Traits: Blifil is manipulative, self-serving, and represents the
corrupt aspects of the upper class. His actions drive much of the
conflict surrounding Tom.
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o Development: As a foil to Tom, Blifil’s character allows Fielding
to explore themes of jealousy and betrayal. His eventual disgrace
serves as a warning of the consequences of unethical behavior.
5. Lady Bellaston:
o Role: A wealthy widow who tries to seduce Tom Jones.
o Traits: She is cunning, immoral, and representative of societal
hypocrisy; her character highlights the gender dynamics and
corrupt nature of relationships in the upper class.
o Development: Lady Bellaston’s pursuit of Tom serves as a
conflict catalyst, showcasing how power dynamics cloud the
ideals of love and loyalty. Ultimately, her manipulations lead to
her downfall.
6. Squire Western:
o Role: Sophia's father, a boisterous and traditional landowner.
o Traits: He embodies the robust yet irrational attributes of the
British gentry of the time. Often more concerned with status than
moral values, his decisions affect Sophia's fate.
o Development: Squire Western represents the conflict between
love and societal expectation; his opposition to Tom conveys the
struggle between true affection and family loyalty.
7. Partridge:
o Role: The comedic character who serves as Tom’s servant and
protector.
o Traits: Loyal yet foolish, Partridge provides comic relief and acts
as a moral compass for Tom at times.
o Development: His everlasting loyalty to Tom highlights the
virtues of friendship and fidelity amid the chaotic pursuits of
higher social ideals.
Themes
1. Class and Society:
Fielding extensively discusses the class structure of 18th-century
England. Through characters like Blifil, who represents the
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corruption of the upper class, and Tom, the lower-born hero,
Fielding interrogates social mobility and the moral values
associated with each class.
2. Morality and Virtue:
The narrative explores what it means to be moral and virtuous.
Through the trials faced by Tom and Sophia, Fielding suggests that
true virtue is determined by one's actions rather than the
circumstances of their birth. The novel ultimately champions
natural human goodness.
3. Love and Relationships:
Romantic love contrasts with social obligations throughout the
novel. Tom and Sophia’s love story challenges the social norms of
their respective backgrounds, asserting that love should transcend
class and societal expectations.
4. Identity and Self-Discovery:
Tom's journey is also one of self-discovery—moving from ignorant
naivete to a nuanced understanding of himself and his place in the
world.
5. Comedy and Satire:
Fielding utilizes humor as a means of social critique. The
exaggeration of characters and situations serves to expose societal
flaws and human follies, aiming to entertain while provoking
thought.
Conclusion
"Tom Jones," with its rich tapestry of characters and interwoven
themes, transcends mere storytelling, offering a critical lens into the
moral fabric of 18th-century England. Fielding's exploration of class
structures, love, and acceptable behavior remains relevant, allowing
readers to find resonance in the challenges that Tom faces. As a
pioneering work in the evolution of the novel, "Tom Jones" stands as
a testament to the power of narrative to shape understanding and
provoke introspection about human nature and societal values. The
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novel's entertaining adventures, coupled with its serious moral
inquiries, solidify its position as a classic in English literature.
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