Henry Fielding who wrote Tom Jones says in Chapter 1, “…”Human Nature” as a subject is often used but rarely expressed. Fielding attempts to show the characters of Tom Jones as well as the British Society’s temper and sensibilities through them. Fielding is not able to see the irony in Fielding’s representation at all points of the story.
Fielding will often’reveal’ characters rather than describe them. This makes it possible to gain a subjective understanding of the character. You can easily place the characters of the novel on a gradation list. Squire Western is a noble and genteel character, while Sophia Western and young Blifil Bellaston are evilly spiteful and virtuous. There are also characters who have varying degrees of goodness. Characters such Jenny Jones, Partridge, or Tom may stray from the intended path, but they are able to develop significantly over the course the book. Although they are motivated by money or personal gain, many of these characters use different methods to obtain them. The author also uses this opportunity to demonstrate hypocrisy within England. Blifil’s tutors abuse Tom physically and abhor him for his good will with Allworthy. Innkeepers often judge Tom by his clothing and attempt to convince him to pay more for lodgings. Blifil supported violence to marry Sophia in order to get her money. This is influenced by the environment. Allworthy nurtures Tom and makes him genteel, innocent. Blifil is a child of Tom and is jealous of all the attention he gets. The same holds true for other cases. Bridget lives under the shadow of her father and doesn’t have any chance of making a lot of money unless she marries. Bridget disapproves of her father and rejects marriage. Jenny, who is a scholar and has been prostitution-savvy since her youth, finds it difficult to make ends meets. Nightingale finds out how to be a smart woman like Bellaston in London and then uses that knowledge to get rid. This is also reflected in the local population. Innkeepers also judge Tom’s Bastardry and deny him lodgings. If they refuse, it is because they don’t want To lose Allworthy’s favor. Mrs. Fuller also judges Tom and asks him for his resignation. However, she discovers that he is a generous person and her views are now different about him. These people share a common trait: they are all bound by society and afraid of doing things that could bring them down. It is important to remember that Fielding seldom describes the character’s temper. Instead, we see him through the eyes and it creates staticity. Allworthy, Sophia, and other characters are synonymous with righteousness and virtue. It is difficult to know their true motivations. Allworthy and Sophia were said to be raised in privilege. They learned London’s city manners and feel secure in their surroundings. They are portrayed as having few flaws, and little character change. But, there are many characters who go through major changes. Blifil, for example, becomes jealous enough to plot against Tom. It’s important to note that Allworthy (and Sophia) are based almost entirely on Fielding’s memories of these people.
Fielding’s narrative is notable for its closeness to the characters and exceptional use of prose. Partridge’s Latin ramblings as well as Honour misspelling letters and Western using abusive language are examples of this. He may disagree with the character, but he might use irony as well as satire boldly to patronize them. To create an engaging story, the author employs a variety of literary devices and creates memorable characters. Jenny Jones undergoes a dramatic transformation in her character. She is no longer a bright and talented young girl but instead a smart, street-savvy woman who avoids being judged by society. She doesn’t marry and does not solicit money, but she takes the salutation as a wife to gain respect from others. In spite of hardship, she holds firm to her word and discloses Tom’s parents. We also learn more about Fielding’s personality. He gives the story a humorous ending by twisting it. The last chapters show that the characters are completely absent from the plot. Tom is finally deemed worthy of marrying Sophia because of this twist.
Fielding does not believe that Tom is worthy of being called hypocrisy. He also uses humor throughout the novel. He must be a ‘born’ person. He can’t break the class barriers because he doesn’t know how to or doesn’t want to offend readers. The book was praised anyway, even though this result may have been to ‘nullify’promiscuity. Irony is a way to expose hypocrisy, but it can also be used in certain cases to show the weaknesses of the protagonist. Jones is flawed. He is sensitive and genteel, but he lacks intelligence or talent. He has no idea how to make ends work on his trips, and he spends his nights with other women. However, he does speak of Sophia’s loyalty. He finds himself in trouble and is rescued by other people. He always finds a rescuer from outside, which is in contradiction to the author’s belief on two ex machina. “This I faithfully guarantee, that, nonobstant any affection which might be held for the rogue whom unfortunately we made our heroe,” Tom was saved by supernatural events that were beyond his or anyone else’s ability to attain. Fitzpatrick received medical assistance by pure chance. Mrs. Waters was with Fitzpatrick. Partridge is also a part of this coincidence. Waters was leaving. This scenario is comical, but it’s easy to see how everything works out.
Jenny, a woman with academic talent, resorts to prostitution to make ends work. Jenny is ridiculed for seducing Tom. Tom on the other hand is treated with contempt when it is about Lady Bellaston. Tom feels indebted toward her. Fielding is very biased towards him. Fielding is a strong patron of those who are behaving inmorally. But Tom’s greatness always outweighs his promiscuity. Fielding’s ability to create characters who not only exist but thrive is no doubt an amazing feat. Although their subjectivity is a problem, we can only understand their motivations.
