“The History of Tom Jones, a Foundling” is a classic novel by Henry Fielding that explores the themes of love, family, and social class. Fielding employs a range of literary devices, including humor, irony, and satire, to create a witty and engaging story that captivates readers. With its memorable characters, intricate plot, and masterful use of language, “Tom Jones” remains a beloved work of literature that continues to inspire and entertain readers to this day.
Family and Parentage: Thenovel examines thetheme of family and parentage, with Tom Jones being a foundling and seeking to uncover his true identity and parentage.
Social Class and Status: Thenovel delves into thetheme of social class and status, with Tom Jones being born into poverty and navigating the complex social hierarchy of 18th-century England.
Morality and Ethics: Thenovel explores thetheme of morality and ethics, with characters making moral choices and facing the consequences of their actions.
Friendship and Loyalty: Thenovel examines thetheme of friendship and loyalty, with Tom Jones developing close relationships with several characters throughout thestory.
Gender Roles and Expectations: Thenovel also explores thetheme of gender roles and expectations, with female characters in particular facing societal pressures and restrictions.
Use of Literary Devices ✍🏽
Irony: Thenovel uses irony to create a contrast between what is expected and what actually happens. For example, thecharacter of Mrs. Waters is introduced as a potential love interest for Tom, but later is revealed to be his mother.
Satire: Thenovel uses satire to criticize and mock the societal norms and values of 18th-century England, such as the emphasis on social status and the treatment of women.
Irony of situation: Thenovel uses irony of situation to create a contrast between what characters expect to happen and what actually happens, such as when Squire Western expects to force his daughter to marry his chosen suitor but she ends up eloping with Tom.
Pathos: Thenovel uses pathos to create an emotional connection with the reader, such as when characters face difficult choices or tragic circumstances.
Epistolary format: Thenovel uses an epistolary format, with characters writing letters to each other, to create a sense of intimacy and immediacy.
Fielding alludes to Cervantes’ “Don Quixote” to draw parallels between Tom’s romantic nature and the idealism of the famous knight-errant.
FAQs 💭
What is irony, and how is it used in “The History of Tom Jones, a Foundling”?
Irony is the use of language to create a contrast between what is expected and what actually happens. In thenovel, Mrs. Waters is introduced as a potential love interest for Tom, but later is revealed to be his mother, creating a sense of irony.
What is satire, and how is it used in “The History of Tom Jones, a Foundling”?
What is symbolism, and how is it used in “The History of Tom Jones, a Foundling”?
Symbolism is the use of objects or elements to represent abstract ideas or concepts. In thenovel, the pocket watch that serves as a symbol of Tom’s father is used to convey the importance of family and thequest for identity.
How is humor used in “The History of Tom Jones, a Foundling”?
Humor is used to create a lighthearted and entertaining tone in thenovel, such as in the comedic misadventures of thecharacter of Partridge.
What is allusion, and how is it used in “The History of Tom Jones, a Foundling”?
What is irony of situation, and how is it used in “The History of Tom Jones, a Foundling”?
Irony of situation is the use of a contrast between what characters expect to happen and what actually happens. In thenovel, the elopement of Sophia and Tom is an example of irony of situation, as Squire Western expects to force Sophia to marry his chosen suitor.
How is pathos used in “The History of Tom Jones, a Foundling”?
Pathos is used to create an emotional connection with the reader in thenovel, such as when characters face difficult choices or tragic circumstances.