Abstract: As a classic novel in the eighteenth century and Fielding’s greatest work,                The History of Tom Jones, a Foundling tells the life story of Tom Jones and Sophia. The thesis attempts to analyze the heroine Sophia’s growth with specific emphasis on characters, plot and the internal and external reasons contribute to it. The thesis consists of five parts. The first part introduces the author and the novel, while the second part, the literature review, introduces famous critics’ opinions on the work. The next two parts are the analysis of the Sophia’s different characteristics and the causes of the development of her character. Sophia evolves from a kind and innocent girl into a sophisticated one. She pursues her freedom without the restrain of her family background and the social background as a whole. Finally, the thesis gives a conclusion to restate Sophia’ character development in different periods.

Key words: The History of Tom Jones, a Foundling; Sophia; Character development

CONTENTS

Abstract

摘要

1. Introduction-1

  1.1 Introduction to the Author-1

  1.2 Introduction to The History of Tom Jones, a Foundling-1

2. Literature Review-2

3. Sophia’s Different Character in Different Period in Tom Jones-2

  3.1 Kindness and Compliance-3

  3.2 Fight Against the Feudal Social Order-3

  3.3 Sophistication-4

4. Causes of the Development of Sophia’s Character in Tom Jones-5

  4.1 Sophia’s Natural Consciousness-5

  4.2 The Family Background-6

  4.3 The British Social Background-7

    4.3.1 Male Chauvinism -7

    4.3.2 Social Hierarchy-8

5. Conclusion-9

Bibliography-10

Acknowledgment-11