英国文学史期末论文.docVIP

The History of Tom Jones, a Foundling Henry Fielding is a famous novelist and dramatist in the 18th century. His master piece The History of Tom Jones, a foundling set a good example to later writers in the thematic presentation, character portrayal, plot construction and writing style and is considered by many critics to be the model of modern realistic novels, and Henry Fielding has been therefore called the father of realistic novels. The novel has eighteen books. The first six books give the cause of the action: Toms open, sensual nature; the conflict with Blifil; the misunderstanding with Squire Allworthy; Toms love for Sophia and their separation. The next six contain both the consequences of the first six and the incidents and details which will bring about a resolution. The last six books plunge Tom into disastrous circumstances through his actions and get him out of them again. When he is in prison about to be hanged, he hears that Sophia has refused to speak to or see him again as a result of his affair with Lady Bellaston. As if this were not enough, he even has to face the possibility that he might have committed incest. But it is this last misfortune which also brings about his change of fortune: it is through Jenny Jones, Toms purported mother who is now known as Mrs. Waters, that the truth of Toms birth emerges. This brings about a reconciliation with Squire Allworthy and Sophia, and the downfall of Blifil. The neatly constructed plot reflects a basic eighteenth century faith in the order of the world, which Fielding, despite skeptical overtones, displayed in this huge but far from sprawling novel. As one of the pioneers of English realistic literature, Fielding portrayed without disguising anything the real lives of men at that time. This novel differs from almost all other novels both in the range and the precision of its scale and scheme. Its personages are extremely numerous; its scenes are extremely varied, and each has its local colour adjusted