The History of Tom Jones, a Foundling Themes
Human Nature
The narrator explains to the reader in the opening chapter that human nature is “the main provision on offer” (51). He does not intend to make any judgments on human nature, but instead wants to present it as a dish would be offered on a menu. Much of the criticism of Tom Jones was in response to the licentious behavior of characters such as Molly Seagrim, Mrs. Waters and Lady Bellaston, not to mention Tom Jones himself. However, Fielding did not want to create a necessarily moral text that ignored the truth of how people are. He believed human nature has capacity for good and evil, and wanted to explore those contradictions. Further, it is important to note that Fielding was not advocating or defending any of the immoral behaviors of his characters, but merely presenting their actions as steps on the road to greater wisdom. Indeed, each of the major characters already mentioned undergoes a learning process, and redemption is offered to anyone who seeks it.
Molly Seagrim is a passionate and lusty young woman. She bewitches Tom into his first sexual experiences and attempts to ensnare him as protector by having his child. Tom laughs when he discovers she is having an affair with Square, and when he learns he is not the father of her child. Molly finally settles with Partridge at the end of the novel, and so ends up with someone to love and support her.
Mrs Waters, or Jenny Jones, is accused of being Tom’s mother, after which time she leaves the area and ultimately ends up living unmarried with Captain Waters. She not only carries on a further affair with Northerton, but also quickly strikes up a dalliance with Tom. However, she does have a capacity for honesty and gratitude, and so we are to be happy when she finally settles into a legal marriage with Parson Supple.
Lady Bellaston, the demirep, preys on younger men and has an unsavory reputation about town. Nightingale is quickly able to ascertain that she does not want to be saved from this life of
The narrator explains to the reader in the opening chapter that human nature is “the main provision on offer” (51). He does not intend to make any judgments on human nature, but instead wants to present it as a dish would be offered on a menu. Much of the criticism of Tom Jones was in response to the licentious behavior of characters such as Molly Seagrim, Mrs. Waters and Lady Bellaston, not to mention Tom Jones himself. However, Fielding did not want to create a necessarily moral text that ignored the truth of how people are. He believed human nature has capacity for good and evil, and wanted to explore those contradictions. Further, it is important to note that Fielding was not advocating or defending any of the immoral behaviors of his characters, but merely presenting their actions as steps on the road to greater wisdom. Indeed, each of the major characters already mentioned undergoes a learning process, and redemption is offered to anyone who seeks it.
Molly Seagrim is a passionate and lusty young woman. She bewitches Tom into his first sexual experiences and attempts to ensnare him as protector by having his child. Tom laughs when he discovers she is having an affair with Square, and when he learns he is not the father of her child. Molly finally settles with Partridge at the end of the novel, and so ends up with someone to love and support her.
Mrs Waters, or Jenny Jones, is accused of being Tom’s mother, after which time she leaves the area and ultimately ends up living unmarried with Captain Waters. She not only carries on a further affair with Northerton, but also quickly strikes up a dalliance with Tom. However, she does have a capacity for honesty and gratitude, and so we are to be happy when she finally settles into a legal marriage with Parson Supple.
Lady Bellaston, the demirep, preys on younger men and has an unsavory reputation about town. Nightingale is quickly able to ascertain that she does not want to be saved from this life of