Henry Fielding was an 18th century English playwright known as the Father of the English novel. He wrote the comic novel Tom Jones, first published in 1749. The novel depicts various aspects of English life in the mid-18th century through its characters and storylines, showing themes of social realism. It portrays the lifestyles, crime, politics and society of London and rural areas at the time through characters like the foundling Tom Jones and his adventures and misadventures. The novel provides insight into 18th century English society, politics, gender roles, and social issues through its realistic portrayal of characters and events.

1. Theme: Social Realism in
Tom Jones
Name: Gohil Jyotiba P.
Sem 1: roll no -51
Paper no. 2

2. Theme of social
Realism in Tom
Jones.
Introduction.
Henry fielding was a
playwright.He was known as
Father of the English novel.
He was born on 22 April 1707.
He enjoyed many things
including food,drink,tobacco
etc.
Fielding wrote 18 plays many
of which satirised prime
minister.
Tom Jones is a comic novel
and first published in 1749.

3. Characteristics of Tom Jones.
• When we first meet Tom Jones he foundling.
• A new kind of Hero
• Command man
• The unheroic hero
• Born to be hanged
• Helpful as he helped the servent Black
George.
• Goodness of heart.

4. Theme of social Realism in Tom
Jones.
• Lifestyle
• Robbers on highways
• People living in London
• The Role of institutes
• Politics
• Society v/s Religion.

5. Lifestyle.
• The wealth and the splendor of the
English countryside.
• This peoples are the habit of eating and
drinking.
• Good deal of vanity and affection-malice
and intrigue,distroying it's place.But
contrast with London life it's better.

6. Robbers on Highways
•The highways were infested with
Robbers and villians.
•Womens find difficulties to travel along
lonely roads in the nights.
•Picture of the wretched condition of
18th century highways.

7. The Great city London.
• The London society is morally
degenerated.
• People can be easily brought to give false
evidence even though it might imperial
life of person.
• The people are silly and lustful.

8. The Role of Institute.
Tom and Blifil are not exposed to public
school as Mr Allworthy decides to
arrange private tutors.It shows now
wealthy people of society engaged
private tutors for their children.
The treatment of doctors and lawyer are
shown in different cases.And judge were
corrupt in their judgement.

9. Female characters
•Women's chastity is the one of the
important theme.Women like Mrs
waters,lady Bellaston,mrs Western,are
characterised as if they are real social
characters.
•The movement to protect the women's
status has already started.

10. Politics
•The situation of England is reflected
here.In book 7 Tom who wanted to
join the army.Again when Sophia was
at an inn ,she is mistaken for prince
Charlie's mistress.The above incidents
given political scenario of Fielding's
age.

11. Society v/s Religion
•Molly daughter of black George she
wearing Sofia's beautiful dress goes
to church is symbolically presented
the followers of church who are not
real followers of Christ.

12. Conclusion
• We can say that all aspects of English life
are portrayed in Tom Jones.It seems as if
entire English age is in Tom Jones.It is not
just History but can be called social
document of the nation.Fielding's hero
himself is conventional.He is a hero
choose from common man.

13. • Tom Jones is a great example of 18th
century literature.Tom was a central
character.He done many affair with many
girls.So fielding represents Tom Jones as
a society of England.
• Fielding represents England's society as it
is in this work.That's why characters are
like to us.