Tom Jones Main Text
THE HISTORY OF TOM JONES, A FOUNDLING
By Henry Fielding
Chapter i. — The introduction to the work, or bill of fare to the feast.
An author ought to consider himself, not as a gentleman who gives a private or eleemosynary treat, but rather as one who keeps a public ordinary, at which all persons are welcome for their money. In the former case, it is well known that the entertainer provides what far...
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Tom Jones Summary
Plot Summary
Tom’s Birth and Allworthy’s Kindness: The novel opens at Squire Allworthy’s country estate in Somersetshire. Allworthy is kind, wealthy, and very just. After a trip to London, Allworthy finds a baby boy hidden in his bed. The child is wrapped in old cloth and left by a mystery person. Mrs. Deborah Wilkins, the housekeeper, reacts harshly and wants the mother punished. Allworthy disag...
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Tom Jones Themes
Love and Loyalty: Love grows slowly between Tom and Sophia. They meet as children and form a bond. Tom saves her from a fall and gets hurt. Sophia admires Tom’s warm and honest heart. She stays loyal even when angry. Tom makes many mistakes in love. But he stays faithful to Sophia in the end. Their love survives trials and misunderstandings. Their reunion shows love built on trust.
Virtue vs. Hypo...
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Tom Jones Character
Major Characters
Tom Jones: Tom Jones is the main character and hero of the story. He is a foundling, raised by Squire Allworthy. Tom is lively, friendly, and has a good heart. He sometimes makes mistakes because he is too trusting. But Tom always tries to do the right thing. He loves Sophia Western and faces many problems for her. His journey is full of adventures, surprises, and lessons.
Sophia...
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Tom Jones Quotations
"It is much easier to make good men wise, than to make bad men good.
Exp: This quote highlights the difference between wisdom and morality. A good man can easily become wise, but it is difficult to reform a truly wicked person.
“I am convinced, my child, that you have much goodness, generosity, and honour, in your temper.”
Exp: This line praises Tom’s noble character. It shows that despite his mis...
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Notes (14)
- What Was Lady Bellaston's Plan Against Sophia?
- Why did Squire Allworthy banish Tom Jones from his house?
- Tom Jones Reflects the Social Picture of a Mid-Eighteenth Century of England.
- The Disclosure of Parentage at the End of the Novel “Tom Jones.”
- Tom Jones as a Picaresque Novel
- Comment On The Themes of the Novel “Tom Jones.”
- How Did Tom Get Shelter in Allworthy's House?
- How did Tom Help Black George's Family in Distress?
- Comment on Fielding's concept of morality and sexuality in “Tom Jones”.
- Evaluate Henry Fielding's art of characterization in “Tom Jones.”
- What discovery was made about the parentage of Tom?
- How was Tom Jones imprisoned?
- What do you know about Allworthy and his sister?
- Tom Jones is a story of a man’s journey from innocence, through experience, to wisdom.