Question

Tom Jones is a character created by :

• A. Dylan Thomas
• B. James Joyce
• C. Samuel Richardson
• D. Henry Fielding

Answer 1

Answer:

D. Henry Fielding

Henry Fielding and His Literary Contributions

• Henry Fielding (1707-1754) was a prolific English novelist and playwright, widely considered one of the founders of the English novel.
• He is most famous for his satirical novels, which often critiqued the social and political issues of his time.
• Fielding's work is characterized by its wit, irony, and keen observation of human nature.

Key Works and Their Significance

• 'The History of Tom Jones, a Foundling' (1749): This is arguably Fielding's masterpiece and one of the greatest novels in English literature. It is an epic comic novel that follows the adventures of its titular hero, Tom Jones, an orphaned boy of mysterious parentage. The novel is praised for its intricate plot, memorable characters, and exploration of themes like morality, justice, and social class.
• 'Joseph Andrews' (1742): This novel began as a parody of Samuel Richardson's 'Pamela' but evolved into a significant work in its own right, satirizing affectation and hypocrisy.
• 'Shamela' (1741): A shorter, satirical novella also targeting Richardson's 'Pamela'.

Influence on the Novel Form

• Fielding is credited with developing the form of the novel as a vehicle for social commentary and realistic portrayal of life.
• His narrative techniques, including the use of an omniscient narrator who frequently interjects with commentary, influenced later novelists.
• He moved away from the epistolary style popular at the time towards a more direct narrative approach.

Exam-Relevant Points

• Author of 'Tom Jones': Always remember Henry Fielding as the author of 'The History of Tom Jones, a Foundling'.
• Literary Period: Fielding belongs to the 18th century, often referred to as the Augustan Age or the Age of Enlightenment in English literature.
• Genre: His works are primarily classified as satirical novels and prose.
• Contemporaries: It's useful to know his contemporaries, such as Samuel Richardson and Tobias Smollett, as questions might involve comparing their styles or works.
• The Grub Street School: Fielding was associated with and often satirized the sensationalist journalism of his era, sometimes referred to as the 'Grub Street School'.