Flawed Character in Tom Jones Essay

Tom Jones can not be a perfect hero-

In the eighteenth century novel, Tom Jones, Henry Fielding introduces a hero whose dichotomy causes us to reconsider the importance of chastity in comparison to other virtues. Tom Jones embodies Fieldings belief that a good heart is the foundation upon which one can build a virtuous and happy life. The heros innate generosity makes his transformation believable, and his flaws allow him to function as a more effective role model.

Though Tom Jones is considered by most of the critics as an antihero, I personally believed that he must well thought out as the hero of the novel. As

Fielding describes-

Generosity of Spirit, which is the sure foundation of all that is great and

noble in Human Nature

This philosophy underlies the plot of Tom Jones and forms the character of its hero, demonstrate the society in the importance of good nature as a foundation for all significant virtue.

In this novel the central character Tom Joness ability to feel sympathy for others and to experience joy for their happiness is the evident from his early years.

After the family gamekeeper, Black George, loses his position, Jones feels a sense of responsibility toward George and his family. He sells his pony and bible, gifted by Mr.Allworthy, and gives the money to the poor gamekeeper.

Tom falls in love with Sophia while he is in a relationship with Molly Seagrim, and he struggles with his thoughts of quitting Molly. But at last he comes to a decision that he should not leave this poor girl for Sophia. Afterward, when he finds Molly with Square, he feels happy not for the departure of Molly from his life but for the legal permission of fall in love with Sophia. All his generous heart leads him to do this.

He also takes risk of his life on account of save Sophias life and also when Tom and Partridge start their journey to London, he saves the life of Jenny Jones, who is supposed as the mother of Tom.

Compassion and generosity do not leave Tom even when he is overwhelmed with his own troubles. When he is in London and believes he has lost Sophia, he offers financial help to Mrs. Millers cousin and also facilitates the marriage of Mrs. Millers daughter, Nancy.

Although he engages in a number of affairs over the course of the novel, his sense of kindness and honor remain evident to the reader. His relationship with Lady Bellaston occurs because

His very love to Sophia made it necessary for him to keep well with the

Lady.

Even his decision to sleep with the lady is explained, to help Nancy by giving her money, to illustrate his good nature and sense of honor.

Tom thinks that Physical relation is separate from the true desires of the heart. He explains to Sophia that his actions do not reflect his true love when he tells her,

Oh my Sophia, my only Love, you cannot hate or despise me more for what

happenedthan I do myself: But yet do me the Justice to think, that my

Heart was never unfaithful to you