ith many romantic affairs and social classes. Through Tom Jones’s adventures, we get a clear and lively picture of mid-18th-century English society. We find different classes, professions, lifestyles, moral values, and social problems of that time.

Social Class and Society: The society in “Tom Jones” is divided into classes. Mr. Squire Allworthy and Lady Bellaston are examples of the upper class. They have money and power. Mr. Allworthy’s servants, like the gamekeeper Black George, are examples of the lower class. Squire Western is an example of the wealthy middle class, who hunt, drink, and seek pleasure. Fielding also depicts class prejudice. Tom was found as an infant in Mr. Allworthy’s bedroom, with no clue of his parents. So, the society treats him as a “bastard,” although he is good-hearted. This gives us a picture of a harsh social system. 

Hypocrisy in Religion and Society: Fielding shows that hypocrisy is a big problem in society. Blifil pretends to be obedient and religious. But he is actually greedy, jealous, and deceitful. He lies to Squire Allworthy to make Tom appear bad. Thwackum, Tom’s tutor, pretends to teach religion but uses religion to punish Tom and support Blifil. Through these characters, 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.”

Love and Sexuality: Fielding also shows the condition of love and sexuality in contemporary society. Tom follows his sexual desire too quickly. His relationships with women like Molly, Mrs. Waters, and Lady Bellaston cause a lot of trouble. We also learn that Miss Bridget is the real mother of Tom. She gave birth to Tom after her secret relationship with a young man named Summer. This caused a lot of trouble for her, as she had to abandon Tom in Mr. Allworthy’s bedroom to save her honor. These relationships show that unchecked sexual desire can create problems. We also find true and balanced love between Tom and Sophia. As Tom matures, he realises that true love should be based on respect and commitment, not just physical attraction.

The Fashionable Lifestyle: Fielding gives us a glimpse of the fashionable upper-class London society through Lady Bellaston. She spends time in fashion, parties, gossip, and pleasure. She cares only about her desire, what she wants. She wants Tom’s love and tries to separate Sophia from Tom. She even plans to ruin Sophia’s honour. As the narrator notes:

“She [Lady Bellaston] resolved to get rid of her [Sophia] by some means or other.”

Through her character, we see how the upper-class people were often selfish, cunning, and pleasure-seeking in 18th-century England. 

Condition of Women: Fielding shows that women had limited freedom in society. Their marriages were often controlled by fathers and guardians. For example, Squire Western, Sophia’s father, is obsessed with forcing Sophia to marry whom he wants.

Rural and Urban Life: Fielding contrasts rural life and urban life in England. The rural areas, like the Western estate, are filled with hunting, drinking, and traditional customs. The urban life in London is full of luxury, parties, and fashion. We see urban lifestyle through Lady Bellaston and her circle. 

Charity and Humanity: Fielding also shows the importance of charity and kindness. Mr. Squire Allworthy represents charity and benevolence. When he finds infant Tom on his bed, with no clue of his parents, Alloworthy adopts the baby. Moreover, when he finds out Black George’s family is starving, without food or clothes, he helps the family. The narrator describes Allworthy as:

“An agreeable person… and a benevolent heart;”

In fine, Henry Fielding’s “Tom Jones” is like a pen-picture of mid-eighteenth-century social traits of England. His lively characters and detailed storytelling help us understand the society, culture, and human nature, and also entertain us.