Henry Fielding’s “The History of Tom Jones, a Foundling” is a picaresque novel that follows the life of Tom Jones, an illegitimate child raised by the generous Squire Allworthy. The novel chronicles Tom’s adventures, misadventures, and romantic entanglements as he journeys toward maturity and discovers his true identity. Fielding uses the character of Tom to explore themes of morality, class, and human folly, blending humor with social commentary. This work is widely regarded as one of the great English novels and a pioneering example of the modern novel form.
