The History of Tom Jones, a Foundling · Character

Mr. Square

Allworthy's philosophic tutor, who preaches natural virtue to Tom and Blifil while quietly arranging his own comfort and reputation.

supporting

Also known as Square, birch . Square, Thomas Square, Tom, Square

First appearance: the history of tom jones a foundling

As a supporting figure in The History of Tom Jones, a Foundling, Mr. Square is not background color—the story leans on what they do once the chapter opens.

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Square belongs to the little pedagogical court at Paradise Hall, where he and the clergyman Thwackum compete to shape Allworthy's wards. He argues that moral goodness is innate and independent of religion, yet his fine theories keep bending to his appetites and his fear of disgrace. His rivalry with Thwackum and his influence over Blifil make him one of the quiet engines of the novel's early misunderstandings.

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Character Web

19 connections

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Other

Character groups

Village love triangle
Minor and background figures
Central plot characters
Protagonist

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Narrative arc

Story tension across the book.

Setup
Escalation
Breaking point
Aftermath
Closing

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In the story

Mr. Square appears across 15 companion beats. Open any chapter in the free preview to see the notes beside the text.

Book III
Mr. Square also participates in the boys' education.
Chapter III
A philosopher residing at Mr. Allworthy's house, deeply read in Plato and Aristotle, who holds that true honour and true virtue are founded on the unalterable rule of right and the eternal fitness of things.
V
A philosopher who prefers Blifil for his apparent virtue, and condemns Tom's actions as inconsistent with the rule of right, though he is also flattered by Blifil.
VI
Also courts Mrs. Blifil, using philosophical reasoning to justify his pursuit.
Chapter VIII
Defends Tom's action on philosophical grounds, possibly to oppose Thwackum or to please Allworthy.
IX
Defends the sale as lawful, arguing no difference between selling a Bible and any other book.
IV
Defends the law of nature and the eternal fitness of things, claiming credit for instilling virtuous ideas in Tom.
Chapter VIII
Rides with Tom and Blifil; his change of route leads them to the churchyard.
Chapter XI
Artfully twists Tom's past kindnesses into evidence of vice, damaging Tom's standing with Allworthy.
Chapter II
Visits Tom to philosophize about pain and accidents, but bites his tongue.
V
Discovered hiding in Molly's garret in a ridiculous posture; defends his actions with philosophical reasoning about fitness and natural appetite.
Chapter VII
Present at the bedside; Allworthy bequeaths him £1,000, and he wipes his eyes at the parting.
Chapter VIII
Argues with Thwackum about the fairness of their rewards, defending his philosophical principles.
Chapter IX
Remains silent during the quarrel and calmly smokes his pipe, showing philosophical detachment.
IV
Writes a letter from his deathbed, confessing his past injustice toward Tom Jones and affirming Tom's innocence.

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