Literary Classics

Humor

History of Tom Jones, a Foundling

Enriched edition. A Satirical Tale of Society, Morality, and Human Nature in 18th-Century EnglandBy Henry Fielding

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Length38h 51m

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Henry Fielding's "History of Tom Jones, a Foundling" is a pivotal work in the development of the English novel, blending elements of satire, comedy, and social commentary. Written in 1749, the narrative follows the adventures of Tom Jones, a foundling of unknown parentage, as he navigates the complexities of love and morality in 18th-century England. Fielding employs a rich, episodic literary style that features a diverse cast of characters while employing a lively, ironic tone. The novel's narrative structure breaks the fourth wall, inviting readers into the author's moral reflections on human nature and societal norms, capturing the spirit of the Enlightenment era while critiquing contemporary issues of class and virtue. Fielding, a writer, and playwright with a background in law and a keen understanding of contemporary society, was shaped by his experiences with poverty and social injustice. His career as an advocate for reform, combined with personal struggles, enables him to lend authenticity to Tom's journey through a landscape rife with hypocrisy and moral ambiguity. Fielding's own life was a tapestry of personal and professional challenges that informed his portrayal of morality within society, thus giving depth to his characters. Readers seeking a profound yet entertaining exploration of human behavior and societal conventions will find "History of Tom Jones, a Foundling" both enlightening and enjoyable. Fielding's masterful storytelling, rich humor, and insightful critique make this novel an essential read for anyone interested in the evolution of the modern novel and the complexities of human experience. In this enriched edition, we have carefully created added value for your reading experience: - A succinct Introduction situates the work's timeless appeal and themes. - The Synopsis outlines the central plot, highlighting key developments without spoiling critical twists. - A detailed Historical Context immerses you in the era's events and influences that shaped the writing. - An Author Biography reveals milestones in the author's life, illuminating the personal insights behind the text. - A thorough Analysis dissects symbols, motifs, and character arcs to unearth underlying meanings. - Reflection questions prompt you to engage personally with the work's messages, connecting them to modern life. - Hand‐picked Memorable Quotes shine a spotlight on moments of literary brilliance. - Interactive footnotes clarify unusual references, historical allusions, and archaic phrases for an effortless, more informed read.

Arranged Marriage Satire Family Coming of Age Found Family Identity Historical Romance

Audiobook details

Rating★★★★ 3.9 (48K)

Includes Goodreads, LibraryThing, Amazon, StoryGraph

GenreLiterary Classics, Humor

Length38 hrs 51 mins

Narrated byListen with 1,000+ voices

FormateBook with Audio

Publish dateNov 19, 2019

LanguageEnglish

1Introduction

2Introduction

3Synopsis

4Historical Context

5Author Biography

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6History of Tom Jones, a Foundling

7To the Honourable

8Chapter viii. — A dialogue between Mesdames Bridget and Deborah; containing more amusement, but less instruction, than the former.

9Chapter ii. — Religious cautions against showing too much favour to bastards; and a great discovery made by Mrs Deborah Wilkins.

10Chapter vii. — A short sketch of that felicity which prudent couples may extract from hatred: with a short apology for those people who overlook imperfections in their friends.

11Chapter iv. — Containing a necessary apology for the author; and a childish incident, which perhaps requires an apology likewise.

12BOOK IV. — CONTAINING THE TIME OF A YEAR.

13Chapter vii. — Being the shortest chapter in this book.

14Chapter xiii. — A dreadful accident which befel Sophia. The gallant behaviour of Jones, and the more dreadful consequence of that behaviour to the young lady; with a short digression in favour of the female sex. —

15Chapter iv. — A little chapter, in which is contained a little incident.

16Chapter viii. — Containing matter rather natural than pleasing.

17BOOK VI. — CONTAINING ABOUT THREE WEEKS.

18Chapter vii. — A picture of formal courtship in miniature, as it always ought to be drawn, and a scene of a tenderer kind painted at full length.

19Chapter xiii. — The behaviour of Sophia on the present occasion; which none of her sex will blame, who are capable of behaving in the same manner. And the discussion of a knotty point in the court of conscience.

20Chapter v. — The generous behaviour of Sophia towards her aunt.

21Chapter x. — Containing several matters, natural enough perhaps, but low.

22Chapter xiv. — A most dreadful chapter indeed; and which few readers ought to venture upon in an evening, especially when alone.

23Chapter iii. — In which the surgeon makes his second appearance.

24Chapter ix. — Containing several dialogues between Jones and Partridge, concerning love, cold, hunger, and other matters; with the lucky and narrow escape of Partridge, as he was on the very brink of making a fatal

25Chapter xii. — In which the Man of the Hill continues his history.

26Chapter xv. — A brief history of Europe; and a curious discourse between Mr Jones and the Man of the Hill.

27Chapter v. — An apology for all heroes who have good stomachs, with a description of a battle of the amorous kind.

28Chapter iii. — A dialogue between the landlady and Susan the chamber-maid, proper to be read by all inn-keepers and their servants; with the arrival, and affable behaviour of a beautiful young lady; which may teach

29Chapter viii. — In which the history goes backward.

30Chapter iii. — A very short chapter, in which however is a sun, a moon, a star, and an angel.

31Chapter viii. — A dreadful alarm in the inn, with the arrival of an unexpected friend of Mrs Fitzpatrick.

32Chapter iii. — The departure of Jones from Upton, with what passed between him and Partridge on the road.

33Chapter viii. — In which fortune seems to have been in a better humour with Jones than we have hitherto seen her.

34Chapter xiii. — A dialogue between Jones and Partridge.

35Chapter iv. — Which consists of visiting.

36Chapter ix. — Which treats of matters of a very different kind from those in the preceding chapter.

37Chapter iii. — Containing various matters.

38Chapter viii. — What passed between Jones and old Mr Nightingale; with the arrival of a person not yet mentioned in this history.

39Chapter iv. — By which it will appear how dangerous an advocate a lady is when she applies her eloquence to an ill purpose.

40Chapter viii. — Short and sweet.