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Interpreting Tom Jones Through The Lens of 18th Century Literary Criticism

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119 views6 pages

Interpreting Tom Jones Through The Lens of 18th Century Literary Criticism

Uploaded by

hossain15-5144
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© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Interpreting _Tom

Jones_ through the


Lens of 18th-Century
Literary Criticism
To truly understand Henry Fielding's masterpiece, _The History of Tom Jones, A
Foundling_, we must consider the critical lenses through which it was initially
received. The 18th century was a period of significant intellectual and cultural
ferment, giving rise to new philosophical perspectives and literary approaches. This
presentation explores how these frameworks, including Neoclassicism,
Enlightenment rationalism, and sentimentalism, shaped the reading of Fielding's
work and contribute to its enduring relevance.
Neoclassicism and Unity
Fielding's narrative structure adheres to the classical ideals of unity of time, place, and action. While _Tom Jones_ features numerous
subplots, it ultimately upholds a coherent narrative arc. Tom's journey, despite its detours, ultimately leads to a resolution that
restores moral order. This emphasis on order and harmony reflects the neoclassical view of literature as a reflection of human nature
and societal norms. The novel aims to demonstrate that even amidst chaos, a just resolution can be achieved.

Order Unity Moral Resolution


Neoclassicism prioritizes order and Fielding maintains a unified The novel ends with a restoration of
harmony in literature, reflecting the narrative, despite multiple subplots, order, aligning with the neoclassical
belief in a rational and structured reflecting the neoclassical ideal of a belief in the ultimate triumph of
universe. cohesive story. virtue and justice.
Enlightenment Rationalism
The Enlightenment's emphasis on reason and empiricism is evident in Fielding's portrayal of characters. Tom's journey through
various experiences serves as a moral education, reflecting the belief in the perfectibility of man through rational thought. Tom's
moral development is driven by his experiences and reflections, aligning with the philosophy of John Locke, who emphasized the role
of experience in shaping understanding. This aligns with the Enlightenment's focus on human reason and its ability to guide moral
development.

Moral Ambiguity Empirical Knowledge Perfectibility of Man

Fielding presents characters with Tom's moral education arises from his Fielding's narrative suggests the
complex moral dimensions, reflecting experiences, aligning with the potential for human improvement
the Enlightenment's interest in the Enlightenment's empiricist philosophy through reason and experience,
complexities of human nature. and the emphasis on learning from echoing the Enlightenment belief in the
observation. perfectibility of man.
Moral Philosophy and Virtue
Fielding's exploration of virtue is deeply influenced by moral philosophers like David Hume. The novel emphasizes the importance of
moral sentiment, suggesting that virtue is not merely a matter of actions but also intentions and emotional responses. Tom's flawed
character embodies the idea that true virtue comes from an internal moral compass rather than strict adherence to social norms,
reflecting the complexity of human morality as explored in 18th-century moral philosophy.

1 Moral Sentiment 2 Internal Compass 3 Flawed Virtue


Fielding emphasizes the role of Tom's virtue is defined by his Tom's imperfections and capacity
emotions and intentions in internal moral compass rather for growth illustrate the complex
shaping morality, aligning with than external societal and multifaceted nature of
the focus on moral sentiment in expectations, showcasing the human morality.
18th-century philosophy. complexity of morality.
Sentimentality and Emotional Experience
The sentimental movement, prominent in the 18th century, emphasized the importance of emotions and the inherent goodness of humanity.
Fielding's portrayal of relationships, particularly the love between Tom and Sophia, exemplifies genuine emotional connection, reflecting the
era's sentimental ideals. Sophia's unwavering love for Tom showcases the sentimental belief in the transformative power of love and its ability to
elevate individuals morally.

Sophia's Virtue Transformative Power of Love Genuine Emotional Connection


Sophia Western serves as the sentimental Sophia's unwavering love for Tom Fielding's portrayal of relationships
heroine, embodying virtue and emotional highlights the sentimental belief in the emphasizes authentic emotional
depth, reflecting the era's idealized image transformative power of love and its ability connections, aligning with the sentimental
of feminine virtue. to elevate individuals morally. movement's focus on genuine emotions.
Social Satire and Critique of Class
Fielding's novel is infused with satire, offering a critical perspective on the social and political structures of 18th-century England. His
depiction of class dynamics, particularly through Tom's status as a foundling, challenges the rigid class hierarchies and social norms
of the era. Characters like Blifil and Lady Bellaston exemplify the moral hypocrisy of the aristocracy, exposing their pretensions and
contrasting them with Tom's genuine virtue. Fielding's satire highlights the corruption and superficiality of the upper class, offering a
critique of social inequality and the flawed systems that perpetuate it.

Tom Represents genuine virtue and morality despite his lower


social status.

Blifil Represents the hypocrisy and corruption of the upper class,


masking ambition under a facade of respectability.

Lady Bellaston Embodies the superficiality and moral decay of the


aristocracy, contrasting with Sophia's genuine virtue.

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