(BLOCK-1) (UNIT-2) AS WE FIRST READ: TOM JONES (MEG-201)

1. As a novel, Tom Jones is deceptively simple, with a story that makes no significant demands on the reader. Do you agree?

Regarding the statement that "Tom Jones is deceptively simple, with a story that makes no significant demands on the reader," it's important to note that simplicity can be subjective and that different readers may have different experiences with the novel.

 

Tom Jones is a classic novel written by Henry Fielding and published in 1749. It is a picaresque novel, a type of novel that follows the adventures of a rogue or a rascal. The novel tells the story of Tom Jones, a foundling who is raised by a wealthy landowner, Squire Allworthy. Tom Jones is a charming and handsome young man who falls in love with his neighbor, Sophia Western. However, their love is thwarted by Sophia's father, who has arranged for her to marry another man.

 

While the novel may seem straightforward in terms of its plot, there are several layers of social commentary and satire present in the story. Fielding uses the character of Tom Jones to criticize the social class system of his time, and he satirizes the hypocrisies and follies of the upper classes. Additionally, the novel explores themes such as identity, morality, and the consequences of one's actions.

 

So, while the novel's plot may not be overly complex, there are certainly deeper layers of meaning and commentary present in the text. Whether or not a reader finds the novel "simple" or "demanding" is subjective and depends on the reader's individual interpretation and engagement with the text.

2. Do you see the projection of a moral viewpoint in Tom Jones as one through which the author aims at correcting distortions in human behaviour? Discuss.

Yes, the novel Tom Jones does project a moral viewpoint, and it can be argued that Henry Fielding uses this viewpoint to correct distortions in human behavior. Throughout the novel, Fielding emphasizes the importance of moral values such as honesty, loyalty, and virtue, and he portrays characters who embody these values as the heroes of the story.

One example of this is the character of Squire Allworthy, who represents the ideal of a virtuous and just man. Allworthy serves as a moral compass for the other characters in the novel, and his actions are consistently guided by his strong sense of morality. In contrast, characters such as Blifil and Lady Bellaston, who lack these moral values, are portrayed negatively and are shown to suffer the consequences of their actions.

In addition, Fielding uses the character of Tom Jones to explore the idea of personal responsibility and the consequences of one's actions. Tom is a flawed character who makes mistakes and engages in immoral behavior, but he ultimately learns from his experiences and grows as a person. Fielding seems to be suggesting that individuals can choose to behave morally or immorally, and that their choices have real-world consequences.

Overall, it can be argued that the moral viewpoint presented in Tom Jones is intended to correct distortions in human behavior by encouraging readers to emulate the virtuous characters in the novel and to recognize the consequences of their actions.