An Epic Parody Tom Jones

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TOM JONES: Henry Fielding felt great concern towards the embellished stylization of epic novels, and in order to relay his critiques of this popularized genre, he constructed an epic parody to reveal the turgid grandiose nature of such works through a sarcastic spoof. Commenced with his sarcastic invocation of a muse, Henry Fielding’s epic parody, Tom Jones emphasizes comic concern with the classical epic style by epithets and personifications with a satirical twist. Tom Jones may help us reflect on the hypocrisy and callousness of societies, nations and regimes in the modern world. It inspires the reader to fearlessly critique them through word and action. Most of the criticism coming from western countries seems to willfully overlook this aspect. This practice of academic criticism is so rampant in our cultural centres that it clouds our understanding of fictional classics like Tom Jones. Almost every aspect of Fielding's own life is apparent in the novel, from the love and reverence he had for his first wife to his extensive knowledge of the Southwestern part of England. Even Tom Jones himself clearly shows the markings of Fielding, exhibiting the same careless good nature as well as a deeply entrenched awareness of poverty and the reversals of fortune------------------------------ Chapter I The narrator likens critics to reptiles and tells the reader not to judge the work too soon. The reader should not mind if he finds characters too similar. It is natural for characters—like humans—to be akin in many aspects. In fact, there is more refinement in the critic who can distinguish between more closely aligned characters. Chapter II An Irish Gentleman, Mr. Fitzpatrick, arrives at the inn that night looking for his wife. The maid leads him to Mrs. Waters’ room. Fitzpatrick breaks down the door and Tom leaps out of bed. The man apologizes for making a mistake, but

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