Henry Fielding

The History of Tom Jones (Annotated) Henry Fielding

Differentiated book- It has a historical context with research of the time-The History of Tom Jones by Henry Fielding. The purpose of realizing this historical context is to approach the understanding of a historical epoch from the elements provided by the text. Hence the importance of placing the document in context. It is necessary to unravel what its author or authors have said, how it has been said, when, why and where, always relating it to its historical moment. Often known simply as Tom Jones, it is a picaresque novel written by Henry Fielding. It is considered his masterpiece and one of the best novels in English literature. It was published in 1749, enjoyed immediate popularity, and has inspired various adaptations, including an Academy Award-winning film and television series. The novel recounts the life of Tom Jones, foundling, from childhood until he managed to recover his legitimate inheritance. Much of the action takes place at the time of the Jacobite rebellion of 1745. Mr. Allworthy, a kind rural gentleman, finds in his bed a baby, whom he adopts and calls Tom Jones, for believing him to be the illegitimate son of the maiden Jenny Jones. For her part, Allworthy's sister, Bridget, marries Captain Blifil and they have a son. Both boys are raised together and when they reach youth, they try the same young woman, the delicious and intelligent Sophia Western, daughter of a neighborhood gentleman. Young Tom has an affair with Molly Seagrim, the Ranger's daughter, and because of this and Blifil's betrayal, he is kicked out of the house.