Tom Jones as a Picaresque Novel

Answer

 Evaluate “Tom Jones” as a picaresque novel. 

“Tom Jones” (1749) is one of the best paradigms of picaresque novels written by Henry Fielding (1707-1754). It is widely regarded as a prime example of the picaresque novel. It is characterized by its episodic structure and focus on the adventures of a roguish, but appealing, protagonist. Here’s an evaluation of “Tom Jones” within the framework of the picaresque novel:

Characteristics of the Picaresque Novel in “Tom Jones”

Roguish Protagonist: A picaresque novel highlights a central character of low social class who lives by their wits in a corrupt society. Tom Jones fits this mold. Tom is an illegitimate foundling raised by the benevolent Squire Allworthy. Mr. Allworthy found the infant Tom Jones and raised him.

He was preparing to step into bed, when, upon opening the cloathes, to his great surprize he beheld an infant, 

From the above quotation, we can understand that the hero, Tom, is an illegitimate child. His dubious parentage and his youthful indiscretions mark him as a picaro, or rogue.

Episodic Structure: “Tom Jones” is structured as a series of episodes or adventures, each one contributing to the overall narrative. The novel is divided into 18 books, and within these, Tom embarks on various escapades. It encounters a wide range of characters from different social strata. This episodic nature is a hallmark of the picaresque genre.

Social Satire: Picaresque novels often use their roguish heroes to satirize society. Fielding uses Tom’s adventures to critique various aspects of 18th-century English society. It includes class disparity, the justice system, and the hypocrisy of religious and moral standards. Through Tom’s interactions with hypocritical figures like Blifil and the corrupt legal system, Fielding exposes societal flaws.

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

Realism and Detail: The picaresque novel usually emphasizes realistic detail and a portrayal of the everyday lives of its characters. Fielding provides detailed and vivid descriptions of the English countryside, inns, and various social settings. It gives readers a comprehensive view of the period’s daily life.

Moral Ambiguity: The protagonist in a picaresque novel often operates in a morally ambiguous world. He makes choices that are not strictly good or bad. Tom Jones’s actions reflect this ambiguity. While he is fundamentally good-hearted and generous, he is also impulsive, engages in love affairs, and often finds himself in morally compromising situations. His growth and development throughout the novel are central to the story.

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

Use of Humor: Humor, particularly irony and wit, is a key feature of the picaresque novel. Fielding’s narrative is infused with humor. Both in the situations Tom finds himself in and in the authorial voice that addresses the reader directly. Fielding’s humorous tone helps to underscore the satirical elements of the novel. So, the narrator says that:

No man can be good enough to enable him to neglect the rules of prudence;

In termination, we can say that “Tom Jones” exemplifies the picaresque novel through its focus on the adventures of a charming and morally complex protagonist. Its episodic structure and its satirical portrayal of society prove it as a picaresque novel.