Novel: Tom Jones

Tom Jones

Henry Fielding’s Third novel Tom Jones was published in 1749. Its full title was The History of Tom Jones, a Foundling. Divided into eighteen books, Fielding defines his novel as a ‘heroical, historical prosaic poem’. The novel is part autobiographical and contains aspects of his own life-his love for his first wife and his knowledge of the South-Western part of England. The novel narrates the story of the title character from infancy through the marriage to the beautiful and virtuous Sophia Western, the pursuit of whom takes a larger part of the tale. The story begins with Mr. Allworthy, a rich and generous country gentleman, finding an abandoned baby in his bed. He names the child Tom Jones and brings him up in his house with Bilfil, son of his sister Bridget Bilfil and his heir. Tom falls in love with his neighbor, the wealthy and beautiful Sophia Western. However, since Tom is an illegitimate child with little money, Sophia’s father is opposed to the match. Jealous of Tom since childhood, Bilfil poisons Allworthy’s mind against Tom and because of this, Tom is banished from the house. Away from home, Tom encounters a series of adventures. At the end, it is eventually revealed that Tom is the son of Bridget Allworthy, Mr. Allworthy’s sister. Tom and Allworthy are united and Sophia’s father also accedes to the marriage.