Why is the Man of the Hill Episode Integral to the Novel?

Why is the Man of the Hill Episode Integral to the Novel?

To illustrate the points made above, let us take a close look at the Man of the Hill episode
which has been specifically at the centre of controversy among most twentieth century
critics. Its analysis can help us identify Fielding's larger social as well as moral concerns.
The analysis may also shed light on Fielding's view of the epic nature of the novel. R. S.
Crane, an American critic of the New Criticism school, for instance, is not happy with
Fielding's various comments, explanations and episodes in the novel because with their
help, he thinks, Fielding merely "states" his position. Particularly, Crane is not sure about
the "positive values this (the Man of the Hill's episode) may have" in the plot structure of
the novel. On his side, Fielding has presented the episode as the old man's "History" and
"Story." Fielding's purpose ostensibly is to integrate "his History" and "Story" into that
of Tom Jones7. Secondly, the Man of the Hill's story -the account of his life from early
years to old age - is fact-based. Isn't that what we mean by history? But "Story" also
signifies a fictional account - something that individuals in their context perceive and
present. The Man of the Hill himself tells his story. May be, he wants to justify his
decision to stay alone, totally cut off from the world in which he was born. Hence the
story - an imaginative construction - is told by him. Let us then look at some of the
important aspects of the "Story" and "History" presented by Fielding in the old man's
words. From the meeting of Tom Jones and Partridge, both travellers, with the Man of
the Hill springs in the novel "a very extraordinary adventure," which is not merely in
tms of an incident involving robbery and physical attack. It is also Tom's and
Partridge's confrontation with a person who went through the highs and lows of life and
experienced a great deal of pain. That is how the account of life of the Man of the Hill is
"the story of an unhappy man" which Tom and his companion hear with uncommon
interest.....................................................................................................................................

TO GET COMPLETE STUDY MATERIAL JOIN NSOU ENGLISH COACHING

SHARE

Milan Tomic

Hi. I’m Designer of Blog Magic. I’m CEO/Founder of ThemeXpose. I’m Creative Art Director, Web Designer, UI/UX Designer, Interaction Designer, Industrial Designer, Web Developer, Business Enthusiast, StartUp Enthusiast, Speaker, Writer and Photographer. Inspired to make things looks better.

• 
• 
• 
• 
•