Tom Jones: Instinct vs. Good Intentions | UPSC Mains ENGLISH-LITERATURE-PAPER-I 2013

Though Tom's heart is in the right place, his instincts are not always in his control.' Do you agree? Justify your answer with illustrations from Tom Jones.

How to Approach

This question requires a nuanced understanding of Tom Jones' character. The approach should involve demonstrating how Fielding portrays Tom as inherently good-natured but prone to impulsive actions driven by his passions. The answer needs to move beyond simply stating Tom's good intentions and delve into specific instances where his instincts lead to problematic situations. A strong structure would involve outlining Tom’s inherent goodness, then providing several examples of his uncontrolled instincts, and finally, a balanced assessment.

Henry Fielding’s *Tom Jones* is a sprawling, picaresque novel celebrated for its realistic portrayal of 18th-century English society and its complex characters. At the heart of the narrative is Tom Jones, a foundling with a generous spirit and a natural inclination towards kindness. However, Tom is far from a perfect hero. He is frequently led astray by his passions – lust, anger, and a desire for adventure – resulting in a series of misadventures and moral compromises. The assertion that “Though Tom’s heart is in the right place, his instincts are not always in his control” encapsulates a central tension within the character, and this essay will explore the validity of this statement through detailed illustrations from the novel.

Tom’s Innate Goodness

Fielding consistently emphasizes Tom’s inherent goodness. He is depicted as naturally compassionate, generous, and loyal. His affection for Partridge, his willingness to help those in need, and his genuine remorse after causing harm all point to a fundamentally decent character. For example, his consistent defense of Mrs. Waters, despite the social repercussions, demonstrates a strong moral compass rooted in personal loyalty and a sense of justice. This inherent goodness forms the foundation of the argument, establishing that Tom’s failings are not born of malice but rather of flawed impulse control.

Instances of Uncontrolled Instincts: Lust and Impulsivity

Despite his good heart, Tom’s instincts frequently override his reason. His susceptibility to lust is a recurring theme. His pursuit of various women – Molly Seagrim, Mrs. Waters, and Sophia – is often driven by immediate desire rather than genuine affection or respect. The episode with Molly Seagrim is particularly illustrative. While he feels remorse afterward, his initial actions are driven by unchecked physical attraction, leading to a situation that causes considerable distress.

The Impact of Anger and Recklessness

Tom’s temper and recklessness also contribute to his lack of control. His fight with Fitzpatrick, stemming from a misunderstanding and fueled by pride, exemplifies this. The brawl leads to serious consequences, including his expulsion from Somerset and the disruption of his prospects with Sophia. This incident demonstrates how easily Tom’s instincts can escalate into destructive behavior, despite his underlying good intentions. He acts first and thinks later, often with disastrous results.

Social Context and Fielding’s Narrative Voice

It’s crucial to consider the social context of the novel. 18th-century society placed significant emphasis on reputation and social standing. Tom, as a foundling, is acutely aware of his precarious position and often feels compelled to prove himself. This insecurity can contribute to his impulsive actions. Furthermore, Fielding’s narrative voice is often ironic and subtly critical of Tom’s behavior. While Fielding clearly sympathizes with Tom, he doesn’t shy away from highlighting his flaws and the consequences of his actions. This narrative distance allows Fielding to present a balanced portrayal of Tom’s character.

The Role of Fortune and Coincidence

While Tom’s instincts are often to blame, fortune and coincidence also play a significant role in his misfortunes. He frequently finds himself in situations beyond his control, and his impulsive reactions often exacerbate these challenges. However, even in these circumstances, his underlying goodness shines through, as he consistently attempts to mitigate the damage caused by his actions. The eventual revelation of his true parentage, while a matter of fortune, doesn’t negate the fact that his character flaws contributed to the difficulties he faced.

Additional Resources

Key Definitions

Picaresque Novel

A picaresque novel is a genre of prose fiction that depicts the adventures of a roguish, but appealing hero of low social class who lives by his wits in a corrupt society. *Tom Jones* is a prime example of this genre.

Foundling

A foundling is a child who has been abandoned by their parents and is discovered and cared for by others. Tom Jones's status as a foundling is central to his identity and the plot of the novel.

Key Statistics

The novel *Tom Jones* was originally published in 1749 and sold approximately 10,000 copies in its first edition, a significant number for the time.

Source: Oxford English Dictionary (knowledge cutoff 2021)

Literary scholars estimate that Fielding spent approximately nine years writing *Tom Jones*.

Source: Bloom's Modern Critical Views: Henry Fielding (knowledge cutoff 2021)

Examples

Tom's treatment of Partridge

Tom's consistent, though often teasing, kindness towards Partridge, his hired guide, exemplifies his inherent generosity. Despite Partridge's flaws and frequent complaints, Tom provides for him and protects him, demonstrating a compassionate nature.

Frequently Asked Questions

▶Is Tom Jones a sympathetic character?

Despite his flaws, Tom Jones is largely a sympathetic character. Fielding employs narrative techniques that encourage the reader to empathize with Tom, even when he makes questionable choices. His inherent goodness and genuine remorse contribute to his likeability.