Questions About The History of Tom Jones, a Foundling

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I was wondering of what age will this book be good to enjoy the humor as, I am now 13 of years, I have a few months ago tried to read this book and tried to enjoy its humor, but I couldn't get anywhere. I do know it has rather rude humor, but would there be way to enjoy this great classic to it's full potential at my age?

Chris Gage First of all remember this is widely acknowledged to be the first true novel written. It was published in 1749. In those days people talked and wrote …moreFirst of all remember this is widely acknowledged to be the first true novel written. It was published in 1749. In those days people talked and wrote in a different way compared to today. For this reason you must be very determined and very patient in order to get the most out of it. But believe me, it is truly one of the great works of fiction and worth every effort you can put into it.

I might suggest you try going "half way" to Fielding by reading the more modern early 19th century style of Jane Austen or the Bronte sisters. This would be particularly useful if English is not your native language. I particularly recommend Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen.

In respect of age, I would say that you are perhaps a couple of years early, but do not fear, the subject matter is ... life itself ... but does not contain any of the extremes you may find in the literature of today. In fact Fielding takes delight in describing "indelicacy" in a very delicate way. That is part of his genius.

A practical suggestion. For the first few pages, read each sentence very carefully and, if necessary, more than once, to make sure you understand exactly what the old-fashioned sentence means, and think how you would say the same sentence in 21st century English. If there is an unfamiliar word, look it up. In the mid-18th century there were many words that were in common use then, but are rarely if ever used today. There are also words which had slightly different meaning from today. Some words are spelled differently, unless you are reading a “modernized” edition.
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