History of Tom Jones, a Foundling by Henry Fielding

History of Tom Jones, a Foundling by Henry Fielding

“The History of Tom Jones, a Foundling” is a novel by Henry Fielding, first published in 1749. It is considered one of the greatest comic novels in English literature and a pioneering work in the genre of the novel. The book is known for its rich, satirical portrayal of 18th-century English society and its complex, interwoven plot.

Author: Henry Fielding

Publication Date: 1749

Summary

The novel follows the life and adventures of Tom Jones, a foundling of uncertain parentage, from his infancy through to his early adulthood. It explores themes of virtue, morality, and the complexities of human nature.

Plot Overview

Book I-XII: The Early Life of Tom Jones:

1. Introduction and Birth: Tom Jones is discovered as an infant in the bed of Squire Allworthy, a benevolent and wealthy gentleman. Allworthy decides to raise Tom as his own, alongside his nephew, Blifil.
2. Childhood and Education: Tom grows up to be a kind-hearted but impulsive and mischievous young man. He is often contrasted with the pious and deceitful Blifil, who secretly despises Tom.
3. Sophia Western: Tom falls in love with Sophia Western, the beautiful and virtuous daughter of the neighboring squire. Sophia returns Tom’s affections, but their romance faces numerous obstacles, including her father’s desire for her to marry Blifil.
4. Tom’s Expulsion: Due to a series of misunderstandings and Blifil’s machinations, Tom is expelled from Allworthy’s estate. Determined to prove his worth and win Sophia’s love, Tom sets out on a series of adventures.

Book XIII-XVIII: Tom’s Adventures and Misadventures: 5. Journey to London: Tom’s journey to London is filled with encounters with a variety of characters, including soldiers, innkeepers, and thieves. He also has several romantic entanglements, reflecting his passionate and sometimes reckless nature. 6. Sophia’s Pursuit: Sophia runs away from home to escape a forced marriage to Blifil and to find Tom. Her journey is fraught with danger and difficulty. 7. Revelations and Resolutions: In London, Tom learns important truths about his parentage and the nature of those around him. He is eventually reunited with Sophia and gains the favor of Squire Allworthy.

Themes

• Virtue and Morality: The novel explores the nature of true virtue, contrasting Tom’s genuine goodness with the hypocritical morality of characters like Blifil.
• Social Satire: Fielding satirizes various aspects of 18th-century English society, including class distinctions, legal systems, and religious hypocrisy.
• Human Nature: The novel delves into the complexities of human behavior, portraying characters with a mix of virtues and flaws.
• Fortune and Fate: The role of chance and fate in shaping one’s life is a recurring theme, as Tom’s fortunes rise and fall throughout the story.

Key Characters

• Tom Jones: The protagonist, a foundling raised by Squire Allworthy. He is good-hearted and brave but prone to impulsiveness and mistakes.
• Sophia Western: Tom’s love interest, a kind and virtuous young woman who values true love over social conventions.
• Squire Allworthy: A benevolent and wealthy gentleman who raises Tom. He represents the ideal of enlightened paternalism.
• Blifil: Allworthy’s nephew, who is outwardly pious but secretly malicious and envious of Tom.
• Squire Western: Sophia’s father, a boisterous and often comical country squire who embodies the rural gentry.
• Mrs. Honour: Sophia’s maid, who provides comic relief and assists Sophia in her adventures.