Contents introduction Chapter I. Henry Fielding – a biography

Conclusion
Tom Jones is not a comedy. It is also a brilliant portrayal of mid-nineteenth-century English society and legislation. Fielding recounts in detail the tight class system that separated society at the period. Squire Wester and Squire Allworthy wielded de jure and de facto influence over the "lower classes," and they were less inclined to turn to anybody who had been treated unfairly. Old England's themes of "nonsense, adultery, and adultery" depict upper-class attitudes on sexual morality as "do as I say, not as I say." Tom Lady is Bellaston's last preference, but the lady "not everyone deems a nobody" is shielded from open criticism by her position and riches. Bridget's blunder Tom Lady is Bellaston's last preference, but the lady "not everyone deems a nobody" is shielded from open criticism by her position and riches. Bridget made the mistake of becoming pregnant Bridget is not in risk of being sent to Bridewell like Jenny and Molly were, but she pays Jenny to present herself as Tom's mother rather than risk social turmoil. Fielding also made the "error" of conceiving his late wife's maid, but married her nonetheless, breaking with tradition.
The narrative is told by Tom Jones. This is the most essential recurring subject in Fielding's distinctive modern jurisprudence and legal imagery. Fielding, who was a practicing lawyer when he wrote Tom Jones, appeared in court before the novel was published. Fielding mixes his legal expertise with his opinions on how the law should be applied: here, Allworthy's lecture on forced marriage, Jenny's unwillingness to give it over to Bridewell since he was "the first offender," and Judge Worcester's refusal to commit Tom. These "essential" remarks resemble Fielding's personal attitude to "acting justice" as a judge as well as his extrajudicial activity. The repeating pattern emphasizes the parallels between Tom Jones' structure and the court case. However, Tom Jones, the lawyer who sues the student Fielding, demonstrates the lawyer's exceptional writing talents.