Tom Jones is a foundling discovered on the property of a very kind,
wealthy landowner, Squire Allworthy, in Somerset in England's West
Country. Tom grows into a vigorous and lusty, yet honest and
kind-hearted, youth. He develops affection for his neighbour's daughter,
Sophia Western. On one hand, their love reflects the romantic comedy
genre that was popular in 18th-century Britain. However, Tom's status as
a bastard causes Sophia's father and Allworthy to oppose their love;
this criticism of class friction in society acted as a biting social
commentary. The inclusion of prostitution and sexual promiscuity in the
plot was also original for its time, and also acted as the foundation
for criticism of the book's "lowness."
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