The History of Tom Jones, a Foundling · Character

Mrs. Bridget

Allworthy's sister and mother of Tom and Blifil, who marries Captain Blifil.

minor

Also known as Mrs. Blifil, Mrs. Bridget Blifil, Miss Bridget Allworthy, Miss Bridget, Allworthy, Madam Blifil

First appearance: The History of Tom Jones, a Foundling

Mrs. Bridget shows up with force in The History of Tom Jones, a Foundling. The page is where that presence becomes real.

Squire Allworthy's sister, who shows interest in the foundling and later marries Captain Blifil.

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Mrs. Bridget first appears in 0001 the history of tom jones a foundling.

In The History of Tom Jones, a Foundling: Squire Allworthy's sister, who shows interest in the foundling and later marries Captain Blifil.

Later, in Book I: Allworthy's sister, who shows interest in the foundling's fate.

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Mrs. Bridget appears across 23 companion beats. Open any chapter in the free preview to see the notes beside the text.

The History of Tom Jones, a Foundling
Squire Allworthy's sister, who shows interest in the foundling and later marries Captain Blifil.
Book I
Allworthy's sister, who shows interest in the foundling's fate.
Chapter II
Introduced as Miss Bridget Allworthy, the sister of Squire Allworthy, past thirty, prudent, and contemptuous of beauty.
IV
Initially silent with surprise, she supports her brother's charity toward the infant but harshly condemns the unknown mother with a torrent of abusive epithets.
V
Kisses the child, declares herself pleased with its beauty and innocence, and orders liberal provisions for its nursery, though she criticizes her brother's whim as encouraging vice.
VI
Mentioned as having been nursed by Jenny; she declares she will never trust a woman again.
Chapter VIII
Eavesdrops on her brother's interview with Jenny Jones, then defends Jenny's character and blames her seduction on a treacherous man.
Chapter II
Miss Bridget Allworthy is portrayed as a devout, saintlike woman who engages in religious controversies and shows interest in Dr. Blifil's knowledge and compliments.
XI
Miss Bridget, though not beautiful, is a woman of forty who feels a serious and steady love for the captain, and skillfully manages the courtship with decorum.
Chapter XII
Marries Captain Blifil; Allworthy defends her right to choose her own happiness.
XIII
In her honeymoon, passionately fond of her new husband and shares his displeasures.
Book II
Now Mrs. Blifil, experiencing early married life with Captain Blifil.
Chapter II
Gives birth to a son; reluctantly agrees to raise the foundling with her own child, showing outward kindness but private resentment.
V
Referred to as Mrs. Blifil; she resents Mrs. Wilkins' attention to the foundling and connives at her brother's folly.
VI
Kindly undertakes to solicit her brother Allworthy to restore Partridge's annuity, though unsuccessfully.
VII
Bridget grows contemptuous of her husband's understanding and begins to caress the foundling Tom, opposing the captain's views.
IX
Widow of Captain Blifil; she feigns extreme grief and illness for a month.
I
Mentioned as Mrs. Bridget Blifil, who conducted her mourning with strict regard to custom and decency.
VI
The widow both men court; she enjoys their flattery but later shows affection for Tom Jones.
VII
Her visible affection for Tom and preference over her own son, Master Blifil, is of utmost disadvantage to Tom and influences Allworthy's changing perceptions.
IX
Sides with Square, arguing the buyer is as culpable as the seller.
Chapter VIII
Reported dead from gout; her death is announced by Blifil.
VII
Revealed as Tom's true mother, having concealed the secret and orchestrated his placement.

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