The History of Tom Jones, a Foundling · Character

Mr. Thwackum

The Reverend Mr. Thwackum, a tutor who preaches hellfire and practices the rod, mistaking severity for virtue and Tom for a reprobate.

supporting

Also known as Thwackum, Mr. Thwackum the divine, the tremendous Thwackum, This Thwackum, Here Thwackum, Neither Thwackum, the Reverend Mr. Thwackum, the said Thwackum, Roger Thwackum

First appearance: the history of tom jones a foundling

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

Not directly mentioned in this excerpt, but included as a placeholder for potential future reference.

In the storyChapter IIOpen this moment free

Thwackum instructs Tom Jones and Blifil under Mr. Allworthy's roof, wielding Scripture and the whip with equal relish and reserving his harshest judgments for the foundling. He interprets every misfortune as divine punishment and every kindness as weakness, and his rancour against Tom only sharpens when Allworthy refuses to condemn the boy. As one of the two tutors locked in rivalry over the boys' souls, he embodies the hypocrisy Fielding mocks: a man whose theology is all punishment and whose virtue is mostly performance.

See Mr. Thwackum in Chapter II Book page

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Character Web

32 connections

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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…

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In the story

Mr. Thwackum appears across 24 companion beats. Open any chapter in the free preview to see the notes beside the text.

Chapter II
Not directly mentioned in this excerpt, but included as a placeholder for potential future reference.
Book III
Mr. Thwackum is involved in the education of the boys.
Chapter II
Severely whips Tom to force a confession; argues with Allworthy about honor and religion.
Chapter III
A divine who argues that honour is dependent on the Christian religion, specifically the Church of England, and that the human mind is purified only by grace.
Chapter IV
Supports Blifil, eagerly questions Tom, and expresses triumph at Tom's admission of falsehood.
V
A harsh pedagogue who favors Blifil for his reverence and zeal, and advocates severe punishment for Tom, but is overruled by Allworthy.
VI
Courts Mrs. Blifil and whips Tom Jones to gain her favor.
Chapter VIII
Interrogates Tom about the horse sale and advocates for corporal punishment; later argues that Tom's charity opposes Allworthy's will.
IX
Condemns Tom's sale of the Bible as sacrilege and punishes him.
Chapter III
Falls violently on Tom after the canal incident, but is restrained by Allworthy.
IV
Argues for Christian motives and criticizes Square's philosophical principles, claiming Tom is spoiled by Square's teachings.
Chapter XI
Vents his rancor against Tom but is ineffective; Allworthy gives him a cold hearing.
Book V
Thwackum's harshness and bias against Tom are highlighted during the conflicts.
Chapter II
Visits Tom to lecture him on divine judgment and repentance.
Chapter VII
Present at the bedside; Allworthy bequeaths him £1,000.
Chapter VIII
Disputes with Square over their legacies, expressing resentment and theological arguments.
Chapter IX
Seconded Blifil's pious harangue and later interposes to break up the fight between Tom and Blifil.
Chapter X
Accompanies Blifil, expresses outrage at the perceived vice, and advances toward the lovers.
Chapter XI
The irascible pedagogue, a former champion pugilist, who demands to know the 'wicked slut' with Jones and engages him in combat.
Chapter XII
Sullenly submits after the fray; refuses Western's invitation, claiming it improper for his function; hints that a woman caused the quarrel.
In which Mr. Western visits Mr. Allworthy
Corroborates Blifil's story of being beaten by Tom, showing bruises as evidence.
I
Mentioned as a type that should not be taken as representative of all clergymen.
VI
Supports Blifil's arguments, emphasizing parental authority and Christian motives.
IV
Writes a harsh letter condemning Tom Jones and criticizing Allworthy's leniency; Allworthy reflects on his character.

Chapter companion notes

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See Mr. Thwackum in the history of tom jones a foundling

See Mr. Thwackum in Chapter II