Author: Henry Fielding
Year of Publication: 1749
Genre: Novel, Epic, Bildungsroman
Setting: England, 18th century
Main Characters:
- Tom Jones: the protagonist, a foundling raised by Mr. Allworthy
- Sophia Western: the love interest of Tom Jones, daughter of Squire Western
- Mr. Allworthy: a wealthy landowner and Tom's adoptive father
- Squire Western: Sophia's father, a boisterous and hot-tempered country gentleman
- Blifil: Tom's cousin and rival for Sophia's affection
Plot:
The novel follows the adventures of Tom Jones, a foundling who is raised by the benevolent Mr. Allworthy. Tom grows up to be a kind and generous young man, but also somewhat impulsive and reckless. He falls in love with Sophia Western, the daughter of Squire Western, a neighboring landowner. However, Sophia's father disapproves of Tom due to his low social status and attempts to prevent their relationship.
Tom is eventually disinherited by Mr. Allworthy after being falsely accused of seducing a maid. He sets off on a journey with his faithful friend Partridge and encounters various challenges and adventures along the way. Through these experiences, Tom learns about himself and the world around him, and eventually finds his way back to Sophia and happiness.
Themes:
- The power of love and the pursuit of happiness
- The importance of virtue and morality
- The conflict between social conventions and individual desires
- The education and development of a young man
- The role of fate and providence in human affairs
Literary Significance:
The History of Tom Jones, a Foundling is considered a landmark work in the development of the novel as a literary genre. It is noted for its intricate plot, well-developed characters, and realistic depiction of 18th-century English society. Fielding's novel is influential in the emergence of the realist movement in literature and is widely regarded as one of the greatest novels of the English language.