# Jenny Jones — The History of Tom Jones, a Foundling character guide

> Jenny Jones in The History of Tom Jones, a Foundling by Henry Fielding.

**Role:** supporting

**Also known as:** Jenny

**First appearance:** 0001-the-history-of-tom-jones-a-foundling

## Snapshot

A clever servant girl accused of bearing the foundling Tom, whose learning and composure make her far harder to dismiss than her accusers expect.

## Who they are

Jenny is the poor woman on whom the parish pins the scandal of Tom's birth, questioned by Allworthy and lectured by the local divines. Her quick mind and steady manner unsettle the men who mean to shame her, hinting at a life larger than the role assigned to her. Her fate shadows Tom's origins and keeps the question of his parentage alive through the early book.

## In the story

### [Book I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_history_of_tom_jones_a_foundling_se/chapters/book-i)

A young woman suspected of being the mother of the foundling.

### [VI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_history_of_tom_jones_a_foundling_se/chapters/vi)

A servant with learning and a silk gown, suspected and accused of being the mother; she confesses to the fact.

### [Chapter VII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_history_of_tom_jones_a_foundling_se/chapters/vii)

Confesses her crime but refuses to name the father, showing integrity and earning Allworthy's respect.

### [Chapter VIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_history_of_tom_jones_a_foundling_se/chapters/viii)

The subject of the conversation; Mrs. Bridget praises her honesty and integrity, believing she was seduced by a villain.

### [IX](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_history_of_tom_jones_a_foundling_se/chapters/ix)

Returns home after receiving Mr. Allworthy's indulgence, but faces public scorn and rumors.

### [III](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_history_of_tom_jones_a_foundling_se/chapters/iii)

The maid who has lived with the Partridges for four years, learning Latin from Mr. Partridge. She is dismissed by Mrs. Partridge after being suspected of impropriety.

### [Chapter IV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_history_of_tom_jones_a_foundling_se/chapters/iv)

Former maid of Mrs. Partridge, reported to have given birth to two bastards, sparking Mrs. Partridge's renewed jealousy.

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_history_of_tom_jones_a_foundling_se/characters/jenny_jones
- Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_history_of_tom_jones_a_foundling_se
- All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_history_of_tom_jones_a_foundling_se/characters