(BLOCK-1) (UNIT-3) IMPORTANT THEMATIC AREAS IN TOM JONES (MEG-201)

1.In what way do the women characters in Tom Jones appeal to you? Have they been set apart from men in the world of the novel? Give reasons in support of your answer .

The women characters in Tom Jones are depicted in a range of different ways, and their portrayal in the novel is somewhat mixed. On the one hand, some of the female characters are strong, intelligent, and independent, while on the other hand, others are portrayed as being weak, submissive, and objectified.

For example, Sophia Western is a strong and independent character who defies the social norms of her time by refusing to marry for money or social status. She is depicted as intelligent, kind, and compassionate, and she serves as a moral compass for Tom Jones throughout the novel. In contrast, characters such as Lady Bellaston and Molly Seagrim are depicted as being sexually promiscuous and manipulative, and they are often objectified by the male characters in the novel.

It could be argued that the women characters in Tom Jones are set apart from men in the world of the novel in some ways. While the male characters are often driven by their desires and passions, the female characters are often shown to be more rational and level-headed. Additionally, the female characters are often subject to the whims and desires of the male characters, which reflects the patriarchal society of the time.

However, it's also worth noting that some of the women characters in the novel are given agency and power. Sophia, for example, is able to make her own choices and assert her independence, and the character of Mrs. Western is a strong and influential woman who wields significant power and influence over her daughter's life.

Overall, the portrayal of women in Tom Jones is complex, and while some of the female characters are set apart from men in the novel, others are subject to the same patriarchal norms and expectations as the male characters.

2. What is the significance of places in Tom Jones? Do they stand for different sets of codes prevalent in the eighteenth century English life? Discuss.

Yes, the places and settings in Tom Jones are significant and do represent different sets of codes and values that were prevalent in eighteenth-century English life. Henry Fielding uses the locations in the novel to highlight the social, political, and cultural norms of the time, and to explore the complex relationships between individuals and their environments.

One of the most important settings in the novel is the countryside, which represents a more traditional and rural way of life. The countryside is associated with characters such as Squire Allworthy and Partridge, who embody the virtues of simplicity, honesty, and loyalty. The rural setting also reflects the social hierarchy of the time, as the characters who live in the countryside are often depicted as being of a lower social class than those who live in the city.

In contrast, the city is portrayed as a place of vice and corruption, where characters such as Lady Bellaston and Mr. Fitzpatrick engage in immoral behavior and indulge their passions. The city is associated with wealth, power, and social status, and characters who live in the city are often depicted as being more cosmopolitan and worldly than those who live in the countryside.

Additionally, the different locations in the novel are associated with different codes of conduct and values. For example, the inn where Tom and Partridge stay represents a more bawdy and vulgar way of life, while Squire Allworthy's estate represents a more refined and genteel way of living.

Overall, the significance of the places in Tom Jones lies in their ability to represent the different social, cultural, and political norms of eighteenth-century English life. The locations in the novel serve as a backdrop against which the characters' actions and behaviors are played out, and they highlight the complex interplay between individuals and their environments.