What is a notable characteristic of Henry Fielding's "Tom Jones" in terms of narrative?

The notable characteristic of Henry Fielding's "Tom Jones" is that it utilizes an omniscient narrator. This narrative style allows the narrator to have an all-knowing perspective, providing insights into the thoughts and feelings of multiple characters throughout the novel. The omniscient narrator can comment on events and provide context that the characters themselves may not be aware of, adding depth to the storytelling.

Fielding's use of this narrative technique is essential to the novel's structure, as it enables him to weave in social commentary and humor while guiding the reader through the various twists and turns of Tom Jones's adventures. The omniscient narrator not only tells the story but also engages with the audience directly, creating a lively and dynamic reading experience.

In contrast to this, strict chronological order would limit the narrative's flexibility, while multiple perspectives could distract from a cohesive storytelling approach. Similarly, a first-person narrator would confine the narrative to a single character's viewpoint, losing the wide-ranging insights that an omniscient narrator can provide. Thus, the use of an omniscient narrator is a defining feature of "Tom Jones," enriching its thematic complexity and engaging readers in a unique way.