Why did Squire Allworthy banish Tom Jones from his 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
Why did Squire Allworthy banish Tom Jones from his house?
Squire Allworthy, a prominent character in Henry Fielding’s (1707-1754) novel “Tom Jones” (1749), makes the consequential decision to banish the titular protagonist from his house. This inquiry aims to uncover the reasons behind Squire Allworthy’s choice and shed light on the circumstances that led to Tom Jones’s exile.
Infatuation with Molly: Tom Jones developed a strong attraction towards Molly, a servant in the house. The squire believed that Tom’s desire for Molly would lead him astray and distract him from his responsibilities.
The Reputation of Being a Womanizer: Tom had a reputation for being a womanizer, someone who pursued romantic relationships with multiple women. Mr. Allworthy feared that Tom’s behavior would bring dishonor to the family and ruin their respectable standing in society. So, the narrator says that:
It is much easier to make good men wise, than to make bad men good.
Irresponsible Behaviour: Tom often engaged in reckless and impulsive behavior. He was known for getting into fights and causing trouble. Mr. Allworthy saw this behavior as a threat to the peace and stability of his household.
Disregarding Social Norms: Tom showed little regard for societal rules and expectations. He frequently disregarded proper manners and etiquette, which clashed with the squire’s belief in maintaining a well-mannered household. Tom says,
I had rather enjoy my own mind than the fortune of another man.
Negative Influence on Others: Squire Allworthy was concerned that Tom’s behavior would negatively influence other young members of the household. He wanted to protect them from being led astray by Tom’s reckless actions.
To sum up, taking all these factors into account, Squire Allworthy made the difficult decision to banish Tom Jones from his house.