(BLOCK-1) (UNIT-5) ARTISTIC UNITY OR SOCIO-CULTURAL CONCERNS ? (MEG-201)

1. Can the various episodes in Tom Jones be dispensed with? What is Fielding’s purpose behind their inclusion in the novel? Write a reasoned answer.

The various episodes in Tom Jones are an essential component of the novel and cannot be dispensed with without significantly altering the story's meaning and impact. Each episode serves a specific purpose in advancing the plot, developing the characters, and exploring the novel's themes.

Fielding's purpose behind including these episodes in the novel is to provide a panoramic view of 18th-century England, its social customs, and its people. He uses a wide range of characters, settings, and situations to depict various aspects of society, from the rich and powerful to the poor and marginalized.

One of the significant benefits of including multiple episodes is that it allows Fielding to explore different perspectives on morality, justice, and human behavior. Each episode presents its own moral dilemma, and the characters' reactions to these situations offer insights into their personality and values.

Moreover, these episodes also help to create a sense of realism and authenticity in the novel. Fielding's detailed descriptions of the various settings and the people who inhabit them give readers a glimpse into the daily lives of the characters, making them more relatable and believable.

In addition to serving these literary purposes, the episodes in Tom Jones also provide entertainment value. Fielding's use of humor and satire in these episodes makes them engaging and enjoyable to read, even as they convey more profound themes and messages.

Overall, the episodes in Tom Jones are integral to the novel's success and cannot be dispensed with without compromising its literary and thematic impact. Fielding's purpose behind including them was to create a nuanced and insightful portrayal of 18th-century English society, using a range of characters, settings, and situations to explore morality, justice, and human behavior.

2. The novel is supposed primarily to give pleasure (comic or aesthetic) to the reader. Discuss Tom Jones in the light of this statement.

Tom Jones is indeed a novel that aims to give pleasure to the reader, both through its comic elements and its aesthetic qualities. Fielding employs a range of literary techniques to engage and entertain the reader, from his use of humor and satire to his skillful characterization and descriptive prose.

One of the key ways that Tom Jones provides pleasure to the reader is through its humor and satire. Fielding's wit and comedic timing are on full display throughout the novel, as he mocks the follies and vices of 18th-century English society. For example, he ridicules characters like Squire Western and Partridge for their ignorance and gullibility, making readers laugh at their absurdity.

At the same time, Fielding also uses humor to create sympathy for the novel's main character, Tom Jones. Despite his many flaws and mistakes, Tom is portrayed as a likable and charming young man, whose misadventures and romantic pursuits are often the source of humor in the novel.

In addition to its comic elements, Tom Jones also provides aesthetic pleasure to the reader. Fielding's prose is richly descriptive and evocative, painting vivid pictures of the various settings and characters in the novel. His use of metaphor and imagery is particularly striking, as he uses language to create a sensory experience for the reader.

Moreover, Fielding's skillful characterization also adds to the novel's aesthetic appeal. Each character is carefully crafted, with unique personalities and motivations that make them stand out. Fielding's attention to detail in describing their physical appearance, mannerisms, and speech patterns further adds to their realism and complexity.

Overall, Tom Jones is a novel that aims to provide both comic and aesthetic pleasure to the reader. Fielding's use of humor, satire, descriptive prose, and skillful characterization all contribute to its ability to engage and entertain readers even today.