How Did Tom Get Shelter in Allworthy’s House?
Tom Jones is a notable literary work by Henry Fielding. A complete discussion of this literary work is given, which will help you enhance your literary skills and prepare for the exam. Read the Main texts, Key info, Summary, Themes, Characters, Literary devices, Quotations, Notes, to various questions of Tom Jones.
Answer
How did Tom get shelter in Allworthy’s house?
In Henry Fielding’s (1707-1754) novel “Tom Jones” (1749), the protagonist Tom Jones finds himself in the home of the benevolent Squire Allworthy. The journey of how Tom comes under Allworthy’s roof is a tale of compassion and unexpected circumstances. This pivotal moment sets the stage for the adventures and challenges that Tom will face throughout the story.
Tom’s Arrival: Tom’s arrival at Allworthy’s house begins with the discovery of a mysterious infant. One night, Squire Allworthy returns home to find a baby boy in his bed. The Baby was wrapped in coarse linen and left without any indication of his parentage.
He was preparing to step into bed, when, upon opening the cloathes, to his great surprize he beheld an infant,
Allworthy, known for his kindness and sense of justice, is moved by the child’s helpless state. He decides to take the baby in and names him Tom Jones. Allworthy’s sister, Bridget, also supports this decision, and they agree to raise Tom as part of their family despite the societal norms and potential gossip.
A New Home: Tom is treated with care and affection as he grows up in Allworthy’s household. He receives the same education and upbringing as Allworthy’s legitimate nephew, Blifil. However, Tom’s origins remain curious and speculative among the household and the local community. Despite these challenges, Tom enjoys the benefits of a loving home and the guidance of Squire Allworthy. This environment shapes Tom’s character and prepares him for the many trials he will encounter later in life. Allworthy says about Tom,
I am convinced, my child, that you have much goodness, generosity, and honour, in your temper:
To wrap up, we can say that Tom’s shelter in Allworthy’s house is a result of the squire’s compassion and sense of duty. By taking in the abandoned infant, Allworthy not only provides Tom with a home but also sets in motion the events that will define Tom’s life.