Take a look at our sample solution of MEG-03 Solved Assignment 2023 | MA MEG to get a feel for the top notch and accuracy of our IGNOU assignment solution. This sample solution is just one example of how we can help you with your IGNOU assignments, and we’re happy to present it as proof that we always produce high-quality work done by subject matter experts. Our assignments are solved by experts from multiple universities, unlike other sites that provide copied or stolen study materials. By doing so, we can guarantee that you will receive solutions that are both original and accurate, providing you with the knowledge you need to succeed academically. Don’t take our word for it; have a look at a sample of our MEG-03 Solved Assignment 2023 | MA MEG now and see for yourself. You’ll have the advantage you need to excel in your IGNOU studies with our expert-written assignments.

Answer:- 1

It is arguable if Henry Fielding is one of the most pro-woman writers in English. On the one hand, Fielding’s novel Tom Jones has strong, independent female characters who question traditional gender norms and society expectations. However, the work also promotes prejudices and encourages patriarchal ideals.

Sophia Western is a standout example of a strong, independent female character in Tom Jones. Sophia is the protagonist’s love interest, and she is presented as a moral and educated lady who defies conventional expectations by rejecting her father’s wealthy and titled suitor and instead choosing to marry Tom, a man of lesser social status. Sophia is a strong and resolute woman who refuses to be dominated by the men in her life throughout the story, and she acts as a significant role model for women.

Fielding’s portrayal of women in the novel, on the other hand, is not wholly good. The work also includes conventional portrayals of women as manipulative, deceptive, and vain. Mrs. Honour, Mrs. Miller, and Lady Bellaston are all represented negatively and are used to emphasise the vices of the men with whom they are involved. Furthermore, the story supports patriarchal ideas by stressing marriage and the role of women as wives and mothers.

Fielding also supports men’s and women’s established gender norms. The novel’s male characters are powerful, adventurous, and sexual, but the female characters are usually pious and chaste. This promotes the normative expectations of men and women and reinforces the established gender roles.

To summarise, Fielding’s work Tom Jones contains strong, independent female characters, yet it also perpetuates stereotypes and encourages patriarchal beliefs. Sophia Western is a strong female role model, yet the work also portrays women negatively and perpetuates conventional gender norms. As a result, Fielding’s representation of women in his story is multifaceted and nuanced, rather than straightforwardly pro-woman.

Furthermore, Fielding’s story was written in the 18th century, and it should be viewed within the historical context of the period. The 18th century’s cultural expectations and gender norms were radically different from those of today, and Fielding’s portrayal of women in the novel should be evaluated in light of this. Sophia Western’s decision to reject a wealthy suitor in favour of marrying a man of lesser social status, for example, would have been regarded rather radical and unusual at the time. Furthermore, the inclusion of strong, autonomous female characters in Fielding’s story at all demonstrates his progressive views on women, especially in light of 18th-century cultural conventions.

Fielding also uses the work to criticise society expectations and gender stereotypes of the period. Sophia’s rejection of a wealthy suitor in favour of Tom, for example, might be interpreted as a critique of society’s fixation with wealth and position, as well as a call for individuals to marry based on love and compatibility rather than conventional expectations. Similarly, Fielding’s portrayal of some female characters’ bad characteristics might be interpreted as a critique of society expectations of women to be virtuous and faultless, as well as the double standards enforced to men and women.

To summarise, while Fielding’s work Tom Jones has parts that promote patriarchal beliefs and traditional gender roles, it also contains strong, independent female characters and attacks 18th century societal expectations and gender norms. As a result, while it is not fully correct to argue that Fielding is one of the most pro-woman writers in English, his story does include progressive attitudes and aspects for its period.