The central conflict arises from the absurd, hyperbolic romantic entanglements and political machinations of the diminutive hero, Tom Thumb, within a mock-heroic court setting. The protagonist, Tom Thumb, seeks to navigate the treacherous waters of King Arthur's court while contending with the jealousies of Queen Dollallolla and the amorous advances of Princess Huncamunca. The narrative operates as a parody of the high-flown, bombastic tragedies popular in the eighteenth century, utilizing a play-within-a-play structure to heighten the absurdity of its characters' motivations. The world is defined by its rigid adherence to the tropes of heroic drama, which the characters subvert through their disproportionate reactions to trivial events.

Discussion often centers on the effectiveness of Fielding's satire in dismantling the conventions of the heroic tragedy genre. Readers frequently highlight the sharp, biting wit present in the dialogue and the clever way the play mocks the pomposity of its contemporaries. Critics often note that the work serves as a significant historical artifact, illustrating the cultural climate of the eighteenth-century London stage. The balance between the farcical action and the underlying intellectual critique remains a primary focus for scholars examining the evolution of English comedic drama. Many readers find the play's enduring relevance lies in its ability to expose the absurdity inherent in self-important artistic movements.