Broad Questions: What is the theme of the novel Tom Jones?
Ans.
Tom Jones is a great novel by Henry Fielding. It deals with various aspects of life and various elements of the society of the theme of England prevailing at that time. So it would be absurd to try to put the theme of Tom Jones into a few abstract terms. Fielding took many pages to express not merely a story, but a comprehensive world as could be brought together within the unity of a book. Fielding deals should not condemn an individual as bad because he is not perfectly must preserve a fair outside also.
This must be constantly looked to, or malice and envy will take care to blacken it so, that the sagacity world pages to express not merely a story, but comprehensive good. Fielding was not a philosopher in the general sense, but he had a moral conviction that he had expressed in his writing.
He, in his different writing, laid particular stress on the necessity of good nature in human beings. By good nature, Fielding meant that benevolent and amiable temper of mind, which disposes us to feel the misfortunes and enjoy the happiness of others. Though it is very difficult, we shall try to state simply the theme of Tom Jones which is actually synonymous with Fielding’s basic philosophy. He tries to say that the best qualifications for making a success of life are the goodness of heart, charity rather than any formal theory of virtue, prudence, and a willingness to learn by experience.
Goodness is never to be measured by a man’s actions, but by his mentions. Tom, for example, acquires wisdom and a better knowledge of mankind, and in so doing learns how to live and how to be happy. He may be a sinner, but he is never a villain. In fact, villainy is also foreign to his nature that he never suspects it in others; Consequently, no one is more forgiving, But, Fielding never makes the mistake of denying the value of appearances.
Prudence and circumspection are necessary even to the best of men. They are true as it were a guard to virtue, without which she can never be safe. It is not enough that your designs, nay that yo actions. Fielding says that if your inside is never so beautiful, you must preserve a fair outside also. This must be constantly looked to or malice and envy will take care to blacken it so, that the sagacity and goodness of an Allworthy will not be able to see through it, a to discern the beauties within.
What is the theme of the novel Tom Jones? What is the theme of the novel Tom Jones? What is the theme of the novel Tom Jones? What is the theme of the novel Tom Jones? What is the theme of the novel Tom Jones? What is the theme of the novel Tom Jones?
