Describe the narration in Tom Jones by Henry Fielding.

The narration in Tom Jones is
satirical.  Satire is a type of playful, humorous criticism.  The fact that Fielding
uses an omniscient narrator makes this possible.  The use of third person allows the
narrator to not be part of the action.  Omniscience makes it possible for the narrator
to know and describe everything that is going on.  This is how satire can be
used.

Throughout the story, Fielding pinpoints social
institutions and human behaviors to target.  He makes fun of the vanity and hypocrisy of
his characters, using his omniscience to point out his opinions.  This is part of what
makes the story funny and interesting, and why satire is still popular today.  Think of
Tom Jones as the Saturday Night Live of
Fielding’s day!

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