On The Functions Of Narrator In Tom Jones

Henry Fielding is a famous novelist, dramatist, proser, critic and poet. His masterpiece Tom Jones shows the highest achievement of the English realistic novel in the 18th century and he himself was described as "the Father of English Fiction" by Scott. Fielding's literary theory, which has a profound influence upon literature, is worth scholars'in-depth study. This thesis attempts to explore the functions of narrator in Tom Jones in the light of narrative theory in the 20th century, hoping to provide a new perspective on understanding Fielding's narrative art.Part one is a general introduction to Fielding, his position in English literature history and the plot, the source, the literature review of Tom Jones. It also gives a general introduction to the narrative theories of French narratologist Genette and American critic Wayne Booth, explaining the important terms that are employed in the thesis.Part Two is the main body of the thesis. In detail, this part analyzes the functions of narrator in Tom Jones from four aspects, proposing the narrator in Tom Jones mainly has directing function, communicative function, ideological function and rhetorical function, which are mostly based on Genette's theory on the function of narrator. The first chapter of this part analyzes the directing function of the narrator, which is closely related to the way how the discourse of novel is presented and the form of the novel. Through this function, the narrator could show the inner structure of the novel, adjust the perspective of narration, summarize the significance of the novel and guide the reader's attention. The second chapter focuses on the communicative function of the narrator, pointing out that this narrator is a dramatized narrator, who from time to time stands out and talks with his readers on the development of the plot, characters, even all aspects of social customs. This actually promotes a continuing intimate relationship between the narrator and the reader, and constitutes an independent plot in this novel. Through this harmonious relationship, the narrator, with his authority, in fact guides readers how to read and understand the narrative. Facing the reader, the narrator tries to establish or maintain contact with him, even have conversation with him. That is to say, there is a communicative process between the narrator and the reader. Chapterâ…¢discusses the ideological function of the narrator. Firstly, the morality Fielding advocates in Tom Jones is a kind of natural morality which put the respect of human nature on the first place. The narrator's frequent comments on the plot and characters play a very important role in promoting his moral values and strengthen the novel's moral enlightenment. Chapterâ…£analyzes the rhetorical function of the narrator, which is also a significant feature of the narrator in Tom Jones. In this novel, the narrator frequently uses means of irony to express his own views on characters, or events in the novel. This rhetorical technique constitutes an intimate relationship between the narrator and the reader, which, also makes the reader away from the characters in the novel and always grants the reader have a clear mind to look at them. And what's more, this rhetorical technique can help the reader to have a better understanding of the rhetorical effect of the irony art applied here and there in the novel, which further enhances the comic style of the novel.Part Three is the conclusion of the thesis. Through the detailed analysis of the functions of narrator in Tom Jones from four aspects, the thesis comes to a conclusion that the functions of the narrator are very important in revealing the theme of Tom Jones and enhancing the reader' aesthetic experience.