1. Paper. No: 2. The Neo Classical
Literature.
‘Male Characters’ from
“Tom Jones”
2. Name: Jayti Thakar.
Roll No. 38.
Paper No.2: The Neo-Classical Age.
Presentation Subject: Major Male
Characters from “Tom Jones”
M.A. Part:1
Sem: 1.
Email Id: jjayti.thakar94@gmail.com
3. “Tom Jones” by “Henry Fielding”
Tom Jones, a book of much vitality, hilarity,
and charm, reflects both the comic vision of
life and the intense social concern of its
author.
Sir Henry Fielding was born on April 22, 1707,
at Sharp ham Park in well-situated, upper-
class family.
Fielding took his graduation degrees from
University of Leyden.
4. Continuing………..
He begun not as Novelist, but as Playwright; his
first play was “Love in Several Masques”.
Fielding is a ‘Master Stylist’.
Important stylistic element in Tom Jones is that
Fielding constantly keeps the reader aware of the
fact that he is reading a novel which is a work of
art carefully constructed for certain end. He does
this through the guise of the objective narrator
who discourses on the characters and directly
addresses the reader.
5. Character Sketch of
Squire. Allworthy
Squire Allworthy – sincerely attempts to live up to
his name.
As his name suggests, supposedly a master of all
virtues- wisdom, goodness, justice, generosity,
mercy and godliness.
We can not doubt his generosity, for he is quite
free with both his home and money.
However, because of his abstract concepts of
justice and morality, we can doubt his wisdom, or
at least his perception. (in case of Jenny Jones)
6. Continuing…….
One might call him a conservative interpreter
of the Mosaic Laws.
His position as magistrate or a strict observer.
His justice is one of rules and regulations
rather than a more humanistic assessment in
any situation or circumstances.
7. Character Sketch of Squire Western
Squire Western – is obviously a man much
given to the enjoyment of life, but only on his
own terms.
He is robust, rowdy, lusty, vulgar, and
eminently delightful.
He can simply manage to infuse his every
waking moment with a profound,
“joie de vivre”.
8. Continuing……..
One feels that Western absolutely and
thoroughly enjoys everything he does – from
hunting, drinking, eating.
He violently argues with his sister.
He is also both domineering and stubborn
figure.
He like Tom, as he has enough of youthful
spontaneity.
9. Character Sketch of Captain Blifil
Captain Blifil – a half-pay officer.
He is brought to Allworthy's estate to court
Bridget Allworthy.
He is an unattractive man, but he and Bridget
fall for each other.
Captain Blifil is keen to inherit Allworthy’s
property through his wife, and dies of a
apoplexy while imagining is fortune.
11. Continuing……..
He Believed to be a illegitimate child of low birth,
but is brought up as a gentleman.
He is handsome, generous, popular and
passionate.
He moreover a Casanova personality of the novel.
The novel chart: his progress to adulthood and
his pursuit of miss Sophia Western.
Tom’s action consistently indicates the impulsive
nature of youth and stem from “carpe diem”
philosophy.
12. Continuing…….
His desire for unrestrained expression of his
feelings, immediate gratification of his needs, and
immediate corrective action for the injustice he
sees- all these reflects the spontaneity and
idealism typically associated with Youth.
Tom’s actions are series of impulsive responses
based on emotions rather than on analysis.
Thus, while he is madly in love with Sophia, he
can spontaneously go to bed with Molly Seagrim,
Mrs. Waters, or Lady Bellaston.
13. Character Sketch of Master Blifil
Master Blifil – son of captain Blifil.
He is Tom’s foil every way- estate of Allworthy
as well marrying Sophia Western.
Anti-heroic figure of novel.
His plan to inherit as a large share of the
Allworthy estate as he possibly can; Captain
Blifil’s big hand after rooted this feeling in Son
Blifil’s brain.
14. Continuing…….
He wants to marry Sophia for her money and
property not for love.
His decision to marry a young lady for money
instead of love represents the ideology of his
father Captain Blifil.
15. Comparison between
‘Tom Jones’ and ‘Master Blifil’
• Protagonist.
• Impetuosity of Youth.
• He has idealism and
generosity.
• Wants to marry Sophia
for true love.
• Liveliness in Tom,
“carpe diem”.
• Antagonist , Tom’s foil as
well.
• Lack of impetuosity of Youth
• whereas he has not.
• Wants to marry the same
girl but for money.
• Busy with intrigues and all.
16. ‘Tom Jones’ & ‘Master Blifil’
• Learner from
experiences.
• Tom is Socially immoral
character but intend
well.
• Neither ideal nor worst.
• Tom is Full of healthy
“animal spirit”.
• Lack of learning from
experiences.
• Blifil socially moral but
inside the head there
demon seats.
• Pretend ideal as well
moral but, fiend.
• Whereas Blifil is
“Wholly of the devil’s
party.”
