The History of Tom Jones, a Foundling · Chapter
Book I explained
The chapter introduces the foundling Tom Jones, discovered in the bed of the benevolent Squire Allworthy, and sets the stage for the circumstances of his birth and upbringing.
What happens
The chapter introduces the foundling Tom Jones, discovered in the bed of the benevolent Squire Allworthy, and sets the stage for the circumstances of his birth and upbringing.
Free preview opens on this chapter — companions, themes, and character notes appear beside the text.
Narrative arc
Story tension across the book.
- Setup
- Escalation
- Breaking point
- Aftermath
- Closing
This excerpt marks the dramatic climax because the Man of the Hill reaches the emotional and psychological nad…
Full beat labels and climax notes unlock in the reader.
Follow the arc while readingThemes in this chapter
- Benevolence and Generosity
Squire Allworthy's immediate compassion and care for the abandoned infant exemplifies the theme of benevolence.
- Social Class and Inequality
The foundling's uncertain birth and the suspicion cast on Jenny Jones highlight class distinctions and the stigma of illegitimacy.
Characters to notice
- Squire Allworthy
The benevolent gentleman who discovers the foundling in his bed.
- Mrs. Deborah Wilkins
Allworthy's housekeeper who assists in the discovery and care of the foundling.
- Tom Jones
The foundling infant discovered in Allworthy's bed.
- Jenny Jones
A young woman suspected of being the mother of the foundling.
- Mrs. Bridget
Allworthy's sister, who shows interest in the foundling's fate.
Key passages
“In that part of the western division of this kingdom which is commonly called Somersetshire, there lately lived, and perhaps lives still, a gentleman whose name was Allworthy.”
The story is set in Somersetshire, where a gentleman named Allworthy resides.
Introduces the setting and the main benefactor of the story.
“He had a wife, whom he lost about fifteen years before; and she had presented him with three children, all of whom died in their infancy.”
Allworthy's wife died fifteen years ago, and their three children all died young.
Establishes Allworthy's personal loss and childless state.
