Tom Jones is a foundling discovered on the property of a very kind, wealthy landowner, Squire

Allworthy, in Somerset in England's West Country. Tom grows into a vigorous and lusty, yet
honest and kind-hearted, youth. He develops affection for his neighbour's daughter, Sophia
Western. On one hand, their love reflects the romantic comedy genre that was popular in 18th-
century Britain. However, Tom's status as a bastard causes Sophia's father and Allworthy to
oppose their love; this criticism of class friction in society acted as a biting social commentary.
The inclusion of prostitution and sexual promiscuity in the plot was also original for its time, and
also acted as the foundation for criticism of the book's "lowness."

The book's conception owes much to Fielding's personal life. At the time, he was deeply
traumatized by the 1744 death of his wife Charlotte Cradock, and his lingering affection is
evident in his assertion that the character of Sophia Western is based on her. There are wistful
comments from the narrator regarding the immortalization of the writer and his muse, and
Sophias gentility and resolve makes her a fitting monument to Charlotte. The novel was not
completed until 1748, almost a year after Fielding married Mary Daniel, his former wifes maid.
She was pregnant by Fielding, and despite the gossip and social criticism, he stood proudly by
his new wife. There are elements of this happy union in the happy marriage of Nightingale and
Nancy Miller later in the novel.

Tom Jones, like its eponymous hero, was heavily condemned upon its debut. Fielding's
exploration of a new form of writing and entertainment was labeled as corrupt and vicious, even
though his purpose was clearly to present human nature for exploration and comment by the
reader, rather than to protest against its various weaknesses. Thomas Sherlock, the Bishop of
London, protested that the earthquakes which rocked London in February and March of 1750
were divine punishment for the publication of this, and other, immoral texts. References to the
episodes of casual sex were frequently cited as inappropriate, despite Fielding's intent (as stated
in the Preface) "to recommend goodness and innocence." (37)

The narrator provides that his purpose in the text will be to explore "human nature." As such, his
story veers between several extremes - comedy and tragedy, low and high society, moral and
base.

One of Tom's serious problems in this novel is that he doesn't know who his parents are. This
lack of a definite origin story really matters in a social world where a person's parents (and their
fortunes) determine that person's own social status. Tom's uncertain birth makes it impossible for
him to marry Sophia, and it keeps his relationship with Squire Allworthy unstable and insecure.

Moreover, the fact that Tom's lovers include a feisty, unfeminine wench and two middle-aged
women suggest that his motives are various. Tom also treats women with the utmost respect,
obliging their desire to be courted by pretending to be the seducer even when they are seducing
him. Tom refuses to abandon Molly for Sophia and is plagued by his obligations to Lady
Bellaston. Nonetheless, Tom's refusal of the tempting marriage proposal of Arabella Hunt
whose last name underscores the fact that Tom is hunted more often than he is the hunter
indicates that he has mended his wild ways and is ready to become Sophia's husband. Tom's
gallantry reveals itself in his relationships with men as well as women, however. This spirit is
evident in Tom's insistence on paying the drinking bill for the army men at Bristol, and in his
gallant defense of himself in the duel.

The narrator skips forward twelve years. Blifil and Tom Jones have been brought up together, but
receive vastly different treatment from the other members of the household. Allworthy is the only
person who shows consistent affection for Tom. The philosopher Square and the reverend
Thwackum, the boys' tutors, despise Tom and adore Blifil, since Tom is wild and Blifil is pious.
Tom frequently steals apples and ducks to support the family of Black George, one of
Allworthy's servants. Tom tells all of his secrets to Blifil, who then relates these to Thwackum or
Allworthy, thereby getting Tom into trouble. The people of the parish, hearing of Tom's
generosity to Black George, begin to speak kindly of Tom while condemning Blifil for his
sneakiness.
Tom Jones % - Tom Jones, a "bastard" raised by the philanthropic Allworthy, is the novel's
eponymous hero and protagonist. Although Tom's faults (namely, his imprudence and his lack of
chastity) prevent him from being a perfect hero, his good heart and generosity make him
Fielding's avatar of Virtue, along with Allworthy. Tom's handsome face and gallantry win him
the love and affection of women throughout the countryside. His dignified, though natural air
induces characters to assume that he is a gentlemanwhich ultimately turns out to be true.

Sophia notices that the other village women seem jealous of Molly's new clothes.
Sophia feels sorry for Molly immediately (because the villagers obviously hate her).
So she tells Black George she wants to hire Molly as her new maid.
Black George isn't totally sure that's going to work out, since he knows his daughter is
pregnant.
But instead of leveling with Sophia about Molly's pregnancy, he rushes home to talk to
his wife about what they should do.
Meanwhile, the women of the village are so riled up at the sight of Molly's new dress that
they actually hang back after church to throw stuff at her. (Because this is kindergarten.)
Molly's not just going to take that kind of thing lying down: she starts throwing stuff right
back.
And since she's standing in the churchyard, the stuff that's close to hand is mostly bones
from a nearby fresh grave.
Yes. Seriously. Molly throws, like, a femur at someone. Along with a few skulls.
This is the most ridiculously morbid girlfight ever.
Molly's doing pretty well, as she keeps beating people with that handy thighbone she
grabbed out of the ground.
Throughout this whole ridiculous scene, the narrator keeps using really fancy classical
references. (Check out our list of "Allusions" under "Homer" for more on these.)
 Molly's luck turns bad: a tough broad named Goody Brown finally grabs her by the hair
and starts hitting her in the face.
Fortunately, Tom Jones arrives before the ladies can really start damaging one another's
bodies.
Molly runs to Tom and bursts into tears, complaining (with some justice) that she has
been unfairly attacked.
Tom is so angry that he runs at the crowd with his horsewhip.
Tom wraps Molly in his coat and escorts her home.
He promises to come back and visit her in the evening.