Henry Fielding's novel Tom Jones reflects 18th century English society. It depicts the lives of the middle class, exposing both their virtues and corruption. While the characters and stories are drawn from everyday life rather than mythology or history, Fielding provides social satire and commentary on class structure. As a foundling raised by a wealthy landowner but of low birth, Tom Jones faces opposition in his love for the daughter of a neighbor due to his status, mirroring social issues of the time. The novel offers a realistic portrayal of 18th century urban life, touching on themes of morality, religion, and class.

1. Department of English
Prepared by: Ranjan P. Velari
Class: M.A. Sem-1
Paper No.: 2
Roll No.: 25
Topic: Reflection of 18th century of
England in Tom Jones
Submitted to: Smt.S.B. Gardi & M.K.
Bhavnagar University

2. Reflection of 18th century of
England in Tom Jones
Henry Fielding was born in East Stour,
Dorset shire, in 1707.
 His first novel, Joseph Andrews in
1742, and later novels are Jonathan Wild,
the story of a rogue, which suggests
Defoe’s narrative style.
 The History of Tom Jones, a foundling
(1749).

3.  Henry Fielding, the author of Tom Jones
happened to be one amongst those great writers
who did not draw their stories from classical and
Christian mythology, epics, history, Bible etc.
 They took stories from the incidents which were
quite commonly occurring in that age.
 The majority of characters including the hero
belong to the middle class family.

4.  Tom Jones shows us not only the pious side of
the middle class, but it also exposes corruption
amongst them attitude towards other classes in
the society.
 Tom Jones presents society as it was, it does
not exaggerate in any angle of literary
possibility of exaggeration.
Fielding’s novels, particularly Tom Jones, are
characterized by social satire, overflowing
realism, fresh and artistic moral approach,
good sense of humor and healthy sentiment.

5.  Tom Jones and other 18th centuries novels reflect the
embodiment of specific moral intentions is and
historically introduce modification of the action form.
Tom Jones presents itself not only as a story but also
as an irresponsible volume of talk- Fielding’s talk and
while talk is sometimes about the story, it is definitely
talk and not an anything else.
 The most troublesome matter, in this century of
formalist critical traditions, is the talking.

6.  Tom Jones is a foundling discovered on the property of a very
mind, wealthy landowner, Squire Allworthy, in Somerset in
England’s West country.
 Tom grows into a vigorous and lusty, yet honest and kindhearted
youth. He develops affection for his neighbor’s daughter Sophia
Western.
 However, Tom’s status as a bastard causes Sophia’s father and
Allworthy to oppose their love; this criticism of class fiction in
society acted as a biting social commentary.
 Tom Jones is said to be the portrayal of the urban London life of
18th century. He succeeded on putting morality, religion, social
status.

7. Thank You