Tom Jones

Novel | Henry Fielding
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 How Did Tom Get Shelter in Allworthy's House?

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How did Tom get shelter in Allworthy's house?

Henry Fielding's (1707-1754) novel “Tom Jones” (1749) tells the story of how baby Tom came to live in Mr. Squire Allworthy’s house. This event is the beginning of Tom’s life and adventures.

The Foundling: One night, Mr. Squire Allworthy returns home after a trip. When he goes to his bedroom and opens the bed covers, he is shocked to see a small baby boy lying in his bed.

“Upon opening the clothes, to his great surprise, he beheld an infant.”

The baby is wrapped in a rough cloth, and there is no clue about who his parents are.

Allworthy’s Kindness: Mr. Squire Allworthy is a kind and good man. He feels pity for the helpless baby. He decides to take care of him. He names the bab

y Tom Jones. Allworthy’s sister, Miss Bridget, also supports this decision. Together, they decide to raise Tom in their house like a family member. In reality, Miss Bridget is the real mother of Tom. But this fact remains unknown until the end of the novel.

Tom Grows Up in Allworthy’s Home: Tom grows up with love and care in Allworthy’s house. He gets a good education and is raised alongside Blifil, who is Allworthy’s nephew. People are curious about who Tom’s parents are, but Tom enjoys a happy childhood under Allworthy’s care. Both Allworthy and Bridget like Tom very much. Allworthy sees Tom’s good nature and says:

“I am convinced, my child, that you have much goodness, generosity, and honour, in your temper.”

In short, Tom gets shelter in Allworthy’s house because Mr. Squire Allworthy finds him as a baby in his bed and decides to adopt him out of kindness and duty. This begins Tom’s journey in life.

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