Tom Jones as a Picaro (Rogue Hero): Tom Jones is not a perfect hero. He is kind and generous, but he is also careless and impulsive. He helps poor people and feels sympathy for others. For example, he gives money to Black George’s family even when he himself has little. At the same time, he gets involved with several women, like Molly and Mrs. Waters. Mr. Allworthy says that Tom is good at heart.

“I am convinced, my child, that you have much goodness, generosity, and honour…”

This mixture of virtue and fault is a main feature of a picaresque hero.

Journey and Adventures: A major feature of a picaresque novel is travel. Tom is forced to leave Paradise Hall and go on a long journey. During this journey, he faces many adventures. He meets soldiers, innkeepers, beggars, ladies, thieves, and gentlemen. We see Tom’s love with Sophia. We see the selfish, upper-class Lady Bellaston, who wants to separate Sophia and Tom. Each episode shows a different side of English society. The novel moves like a chain of adventures rather than a single straight story.

Realistic Picture of Society: Picaresque novels show society as it really is. In “Tom Jones,” Fielding presents all classes of society, such as the rich and poor, honest and corrupt. We see hypocrisy, greed, kindness, and love. Characters like Blifil and Thwackum represent false morality. Fielding shows that hypocrisy is more dangerous to religion and goodness than openly bad people. As the narrator says:

“Both religion and virtue have received more real discredit from hypocrites than… infidels could ever cast upon them.”

This social realism is a key feature of the picaresque tradition.

Episodic Structure: Unlike tragic or heroic epics, “Tom Jones” does not follow one serious plot. It is divided into many episodes. Each episode adds color and meaning to the story. Tom’s love affairs, fights, mistakes, and growth form a loose but lively structure. This episodic nature is typical of picaresque novels.

Moral Growth of the Hero: Though Tom is a rogue at first, he learns from his sufferings. By the end of the novel, he becomes more responsible and mature. He learns to say no to wrong choices. For example, he refuses Lady Bellaston because he loves Sophia. Fielding writes:

“It is much easier to make good men wise, than to make bad men good.”

This shows Fielding’s belief that good people, like Tom, can learn and grow. While truly immoral people, like Blifil, are unlikely to change. Tom’s gradual moral growth through life experience is another strong picaresque element.

In conclusion, “Tom Jones” is considered a picaresque novel because it follows the life of a low-born hero, Tom. He moves through society, faces many adventures, and learns from his mistakes. The realistic social picture, wandering journey, and flawed but kind-hearted hero make it a perfect example of a picaresque novel.