The History of Tom Jones, a Foundling (1749) is one of the earliest and most influential English novels. Written by Henry Fielding, it's a rich, comic, and sprawling tale about love, identity, virtue, and society in 18th-century England.
Plot Summary:
The novel follows Tom
Jones, a kind-hearted but impulsive young man who is found as a baby and
raised by the generous Squire Allworthy on his country estate. Though
Tom is illegitimate, Allworthy treats him as a son.
Tom grows up alongside Blifil,
Allworthy’s nephew. While Tom is honest and generous, Blifil is cold, jealous,
and deceitful. Blifil secretly schemes to discredit Tom and become Allworthy’s
heir.
Tom falls in love with Sophia
Western, the intelligent and spirited daughter of a neighboring squire.
Sophia loves Tom in return, but their relationship is tested by social
expectations and Tom’s many misadventures—including romantic entanglements,
duels, and a series of comic and dramatic episodes.
After being falsely
accused and cast out by Allworthy, Tom travels to London, experiencing both the
best and worst of human behavior. Meanwhile, Sophia runs away from home to
escape an arranged marriage with Blifil.
Eventually, Tom’s true
parentage is revealed: he is actually the son of Bridget Allworthy (Squire
Allworthy’s sister), which makes him legitimate and entitled to an inheritance.
Blifil’s schemes are exposed, and Tom is reconciled with Allworthy. He is finally
reunited with Sophia, and they marry.
Themes:
- Virtue vs. Hypocrisy
- Class and Social Mobility
- Human Nature and Morality
- Love and Desire
- Fate and Identity
Style and
Tone:
The novel is known for its
comic tone, narrative digressions, and direct addresses to the
reader. Fielding blends satire, irony, and warmth, often mocking the rigid
morality and hypocrisy of his time.
Tom Jones is a landmark in English literature—a
fast-paced, humorous, and morally thoughtful novel that celebrates the
complexities of human nature and the power of forgiveness, growth, and love.
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