(BLOCK-1) (UNIT-6) FEMINIST CONCERNS IN FIELDING (MEG-201)

1. Fielding is not as sympathetic towards women as he is towards men. Do you agree? Give a reasoned answer.

It is true that Fielding's treatment of women in Tom Jones is not as sympathetic as his portrayal of men. While male characters like Tom Jones and Squire Allworthy are given complex personalities and motivations, female characters like Sophia Western and Lady Bellaston are often relegated to stereotypical roles and treated more superficially.

One reason for this discrepancy may be that Fielding was writing in a period when women had limited social and political power, and were often subject to patriarchal norms and expectations. As a result, his portrayal of female characters may reflect these societal biases, as well as his own personal attitudes towards women.

At the same time, it is worth noting that some female characters in Tom Jones do receive more nuanced treatment than others. For example, the character of Molly Seagrim is portrayed as a victim of circumstance, whose tragic fate is largely the result of societal prejudice and inequality. Similarly, the character of Mrs. Miller is depicted as a kind and supportive mother figure, who provides Tom with much-needed guidance and wisdom.

Moreover, it is important to remember that Fielding's treatment of women in Tom Jones is not uniformly negative or unsympathetic. While some female characters may be portrayed in a more stereotypical or shallow manner, others are given more depth and complexity, and are shown to be capable of great kindness, intelligence, and resilience.

In conclusion, while it is true that Fielding's treatment of women in Tom Jones is not as sympathetic as his portrayal of men, this does not mean that he was completely unsympathetic towards female characters. Rather, his portrayal of women reflects the societal biases and expectations of his time, as well as his own personal attitudes and beliefs.

2. Would it be correct to say that in Tom Jones, Fielding considers marriage a mere  socio-economic arrangement under which women feel continuously suppressed? Discuss.

It would be an oversimplification to say that Fielding considers marriage in Tom Jones to be nothing more than a socio-economic arrangement that oppresses women. While it is true that the novel portrays some marriages as unhappy and stifling for women, it also depicts other marriages as loving and supportive partnerships that benefit both spouses.

On the one hand, Tom Jones does critique the institution of marriage as it existed in 18th-century England, which often forced women into unhappy and unequal relationships. For example, the character of Sophia Western is initially pressured by her father to marry Mr. Blifil, a man she does not love or respect. Similarly, Lady Bellaston is shown to use her wealth and social status to control and manipulate her lovers, who are often younger and less powerful than she is.

On the other hand, however, the novel also portrays positive examples of marriage, where both partners are shown to be happy and fulfilled. For example, Squire Allworthy and his wife are depicted as a loving couple who support each other and share a deep bond of affection. Moreover, the character of Bridget Allworthy, while not in a marriage, is shown to have a strong and independent personality, which suggests that Fielding did not view all women as passive victims of patriarchal oppression.

Overall, while Fielding does critique certain aspects of marriage in Tom Jones, it would be incorrect to say that he viewed it solely as a socio-economic arrangement that oppressed women. Rather, his portrayal of marriage reflects the complexities and contradictions of human relationships, which can be both sources of joy and happiness, as well as of pain and suffering.