(BLOCK-1) (UNIT 8) NARRATION IN FICTION AND THIRD WORLD PREFERENCES (MEG-201)

1. How far can a reader from a third world country relate to the events and happening in Fielding’s Tom Jones? Give a reasoned answer.

It is certainly possible for a reader from a third-world country to relate to the events and happenings in Fielding's Tom Jones, despite the novel's setting and characters being rooted in 18th century English society.

Although Tom Jones is a novel that is set in a specific historical and cultural context, it deals with themes and issues that are universal and timeless. The novel explores issues such as morality, love, class, and societal norms, which are relevant to readers from all cultures and backgrounds. These issues are explored through the experiences of the novel's characters, who are relatable in their struggles and conflicts, even if their specific circumstances and backgrounds may be different from those of the reader.

Furthermore, while the novel's setting and characters may be rooted in 18th century English society, the novel's themes and issues are not limited to that specific context. The novel deals with broader issues such as the nature of human behavior, the challenges of navigating complex social structures, and the struggle to find meaning and purpose in life. These issues are universal, and readers from all cultures and backgrounds can relate to them.

Additionally, the novel's use of humor and satire to critique societal norms and institutions is something that readers from all cultures can appreciate and relate to. Fielding uses his characters to expose the follies and hypocrisies of the society of his time, and this is something that can resonate with readers from any society.

In conclusion, while Tom Jones is a novel that is rooted in a specific historical and cultural context, its themes, issues, and use of humor and satire to critique society are universal and timeless. Readers from all cultures and backgrounds can relate to the novel's characters and their struggles, making Tom Jones a work of literature that transcends its specific historical and cultural context.

2. A reading of Fielding’s Tom Jones can help us understand the problematic nature of our own society and ethos. Do you agree? Give reasons in support of your answer.

Yes, a reading of Fielding's Tom Jones can help us understand the problematic nature of our own society and ethos. The novel is a powerful critique of 18th century English society, and many of the issues and problems that Fielding explores are still relevant today.

One of the central themes of the novel is the way in which social class and status can limit individual freedom and happiness. Tom Jones, the novel's protagonist, is born into a lower social class and must struggle to overcome the limitations that this imposes on his life. His relationship with Sophia Western, who comes from a higher social class, is one of the main drivers of the plot, and the challenges that they face in trying to be together highlight the restrictive nature of the society in which they live. This theme is still relevant today, as social class and status continue to play a major role in shaping people's lives and opportunities.

Another theme that is explored in the novel is the way in which societal norms and conventions can be oppressive and limiting. The novel is full of characters who are constrained by the expectations of their society, and who must navigate complex social structures in order to find happiness and fulfillment. This is a theme that is still relevant today, as many people continue to struggle with societal pressures and expectations that can be difficult to navigate.

The novel also explores the nature of morality and the difficulty of making moral choices in a complex and often contradictory society. Tom Jones himself is a flawed hero who must make difficult moral choices throughout the novel, and his struggles highlight the challenges of navigating the complexities of society while trying to stay true to one's moral compass. This theme is still relevant today, as people continue to grapple with moral dilemmas in their personal and professional lives.

In conclusion, a reading of Fielding's Tom Jones can help us understand the problematic nature of our own society and ethos. The novel explores themes such as social class, societal norms, and morality that are still relevant today, and its critique of 18th century English society can help us better understand the challenges that we face in our own society. By examining the issues and problems that Fielding explores in the novel, we can gain insights into our own society and ethos, and work to address the challenges that we face.