Henry Fielding’s The History of Tom Jones, A Foundling is an 18th-century novel that weaves a tale of morality, love, and social class through the life of its spirited protagonist, Tom Jones. Raised by the kind-hearted Squire Allworthy after being discovered as a newborn in the squire’s bed, Tom grows up grappling with the challenges of his uncertain origins and society’s prejudices.
The story begins with Squire Allworthy returning home to find an abandoned infant wrapped in linens. Rather than turning the child away, Allworthy chooses to raise Tom as his own, a decision that highlights his benevolence but also sparks tensions within his household. Alongside Tom’s personal growth, Fielding introduces a cast of vividly drawn characters, including Allworthy’s sister Bridget and the meddling housekeeper Deborah, whose actions shape Tom’s journey. With wit and insightful commentary, the novel examines societal attitudes toward virtue, vice, and the rigid class structures of the time, creating a rich tapestry of human nature and social critique.
- Pages: 1050
- Published: 1749
- Author: Henry Fielding
William Shakespeare Quote
"The fool doth think he is wise, but the wise man knows himself to be a fool."
William Shakespeare | English playwright and poet
