83 pages 2 hours read

Henry Fielding

The History of Tom Jones, a Foundling

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 1749

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Books 4-6

Chapter Summaries & Analyses

Book 4, Chapter 1 Summary

The narrator distinguishes his work from “idle Romances” (113) and laborious histories, drawing attention to his use of “poetical Embellishments” in his “Heroic, Historical, Prosaic Poem” (114). He debates how he might introduce his heroine, drawing on comparisons to modern theatre as well as ancient works.

Book 4, Chapter 2 Summary

The narrator uses elevated language and epic similes to introduce the character of Miss Sophia Western, the Squire’s daughter. She is beautiful, sweet-tempered, and charming. She grew up in the country but has been educated by her aunt, “a Lady of great Discretion” (119).

Book 4, Chapter 3 Summary

Sophia is 18 and very dear to her father. She has grown up knowing Tom Jones and Master Blifil. When she was 13, Tom gave Sophia a little bird, which she adored, but which Blifil let fly away. Tom fell into a canal trying to save it.

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