Discussion Topic
The narrator and their role in Tom Jones
Summary:
The narrator in Tom Jones plays a crucial role, acting as an omniscient and often intrusive commentator. This narrator provides insights into the characters' thoughts and actions, offers moral judgments, and directly addresses the reader with philosophical reflections and humorous asides, thereby guiding the reader's interpretation of the story.
What is the role and function of the narrator in Tom Jones?
Tom Jones's narrator is the author himself, namely, Fielding. He uses third person omniscient and is able to bring us the depth of each character as well as a strong story line told from his own perspective, and yet, separating himself from it Tom Jones is also an epistolary tale told from the various letters written from the character. This is a form of narrative that was common to 18th century literature. His function, therefore, is to unify the many different story lines preset in the tale itself. The strong bond that the narrator has to the story will ultimately bring its credibility level to an utmost height.
Who is the narrator of the novel Tom Jones?
The novel is told through the eyes of a narrator who many assume to be Fielding himself. However, Fielding also used many letters written by his characters. So, in essence, his characters help tell the story in their own words. This...
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form of writing is called "epistolary". It was used a great deal during Fielding's time as a successful way of getting more than one perspective in a novel. In fact, Fielding's first novel was written entirely in epistolary form but "Tom Jones" also contains narration.Â