Tom Jones : Quotations
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, and various study materials of Tom Jones.
Quotations
“It is much easier to make good men wise, than to make bad men good.
Exp: This quote highlights the difference between wisdom and morality. A good man can easily become wise, but it is difficult to reform a truly wicked person.
“I am convinced, my child, that you have much goodness, generosity, and honour, in your temper.”
Exp: This line praises Tom’s noble character. It shows that despite his mistakes, his nature is generous and honourable.
“Both religion and virtue have received more real discredit from hypocrites than… infidels could ever cast upon them.”
Exp: Fielding criticizes hypocrisy. He says false religious people damage virtue more than non-believers do.
“She [Lady Bellaston] resolved to get rid of her [Sophia] by some means or other.”
Exp: Lady Bellaston becomes jealous of Sophia. She wants to remove her from the picture. It shows her manipulative nature.
“An agreeable person, a sound constitution, a solid understanding, and a benevolent heart;”
Exp: This is the narrator’s description of Squire Allworthy. It shows him as a physically, mentally, and morally perfect gentleman.
“Upon opening the clothes, to his great surprise, he beheld an infant.”
Exp: Allworthy finds baby Tom in his bed. This moment begins the entire story.
“[She] could not refrain from expressing her gratitude to Tom;
Exp: This shows how Tom earns the love and respect of others through his actions.
“You must have been in it [the house], as I saw you come out of it.”
Exp: This line is part of a misunderstanding or accusation between Fitzpatrick and Tom . It shows how appearances can mislead.
“Your sister was the mother of that child you found between your sheets.” Book XVIII, Chapter VII
Exp: This is a key revelation. It solves the mystery of Tom’s birth and connects him to Allworthy’s family
“Tom Jones was a foundling, of whom the best that can be said is that he was a human being.”
Exp: Fielding introduces Tom humbly. He showed human flaws and depth through him.
“Blifil had the art of making his hypocrisy appear like virtue, and his envy like religion.”
Exp: This line truly captures the spirit of the snake metaphor—he hides hatred behind a mask of morality.