Comment on Fielding’s concept of morality and sexuality in “Tom Jones”. 

Answer

Comment on Fielding’s concept of morality and sexuality in “Tom Jones”. 

Henry Fielding’s (1707-1754) famous novel “Tom Jones” (1749) explores morality and sexuality in a realistic and balanced way. In the novel, instead of showing right and wrong in a very strict way, Fielding shows that people’s behavior is often confusing and full of mistakes. He does not judge people harshly for their mistakes but encourages understanding and forgiveness.

In the ‘Dedication’ part of the novel, Fielding writes:

“It is much easier to make good men wise, than to make bad men good.”

This shows Fielding’s belief that good people, like Tom, can learn and grow. While truly immoral people, like Blifil, are unlikely to change.

Morality in the Novel: Fielding’s concept of morality focuses on a person’s intentions rather than just their actions. For him, true morality comes from being kind, generous, and honest, even if someone occasionally makes mistakes. Tom Jones is a good example. Tom behaves recklessly at times. He steals food to help Black George. He also engages in many romantic affairs. Yet, his heart is pure, and he always acts out of generosity and love. Mr. Allworthy sees Tom’s good nature and says:

“I am convinced, my child, that you have much goodness, generosity, and honour, in your temper.”

Fielding suggests that a person’s goodness is not about being perfect. Goodness is about having the right intentions and learning from mistakes.

In contrast, characters like Blifil and Thwackum represent fake morality. They follow the outward rules of religion and society. Yet, their hearts are full of selfishness and malice. Fielding’s narrator says:

“Both religion and virtue have received more real discredit from hypocrites than… infidels could ever cast upon them.”

This means hypocrites harm the name of religion and goodness more than openly bad or non-religious people ever can. Here, Fielding is criticising hypocrisy, particularly in characters like Thwackum and Blifil. They use