Tom Jones Character Analysis

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Questions and Answers

What is Blifil's primary characteristic that undermines his appearance of virtue?

His greed (correct)

His kindness

His loyalty

His intelligence

How does Squire Western primarily express his affection towards his daughter Sophia?

By verbal praise

By arranging lavish parties

By violent behavior (correct)

By encouraging her independence

What is Mrs. Western's goal in the narrative regarding her daughter Sophia?

To ensure her happiness

To promote a political agenda

To elevate their social status (correct)

To teach her about virtue

Which character consistently boosts Tom's reputation but also causes trouble for Sophia?

Partridge Signup and view all the answers

What character trait defines Lady Bellaston in her interactions with Tom and Sophia?

Malicious Signup and view all the answers

What sets Mrs. Miller apart in her role in the story?

Her loyalty Signup and view all the answers

Which character transforms and adopts Tom's principles of honour by the end of the story?

Nightingale Signup and view all the answers

How does Thwackum, the tutor, primarily behave towards Tom?

With criticism and violence Signup and view all the answers

What motivates Mr. Dowling's shift in allegiance during the story?

Greed for wealth Signup and view all the answers

What aspect of Bridget Allworthy's character is highlighted in relation to her affections for Blifil and Tom?

Her fluctuating loyalty Signup and view all the answers

What motivates Captain Blifil's jealousy towards Tom Jones?

Tom's bond with Allworthy Signup and view all the answers

How does Allworthy respond to the situation with Jenny Jones and Mr. Partridge?

He sends Jenny away and allows Partridge to leave Signup and view all the answers

What aspect of Tom's character causes him to gain sympathy from the parish?

His charity towards Black George's family Signup and view all the answers

What ultimately causes Tom to end his commitment to Molly Seagrim?

Molly's infidelity and affairs Signup and view all the answers

What role does Squire Western play in Tom's life?

He is a close neighbor impressed by Tom's sportsmanship Signup and view all the answers

How do the tutors, Square and Thwackum, perceive Tom Jones compared to Blifil?

They despise Tom and favor Blifil Signup and view all the answers

What main action does Allworthy undertake upon discovering the foundling?

He chooses to raise the child himself Signup and view all the answers

Which character initially guides the reader's perception of Tom's moral standing?

The narrator Signup and view all the answers

What significant event occurs after Captain Blifil's jealousy manifests?

Captain Blifil suffers a fatal accident Signup and view all the answers

What motivates Tom to leave Sophia despite his feelings for her?

He feels an obligation to follow an honorable path. Signup and view all the answers

Which character is described as the moral yardstick of the novel?

Mr. Allworthy Signup and view all the answers

What is the relationship between Sophia Western and Squire Western?

Father and daughter Signup and view all the answers

How does Tom react after finding out about Sophia's visit to the inn?

He sets out in hurried pursuit of Sophia. Signup and view all the answers

What is Master Blifil's primary motivation regarding Tom Jones?

To seek revenge on Tom. Signup and view all the answers

What does Lady Bellaston do to try to disrupt the relationship between Tom and Sophia?

She encourages another suitor to force himself on Sophia. Signup and view all the answers

What does Sophia do to signal her presence to Tom after running away?

Leaves her muff in his bed. Signup and view all the answers

How does Tom's stabbing of Fitzpatrick impact his life?

He is imprisoned and faces legal repercussions. Signup and view all the answers

What does Mrs. Waters reveal to Allworthy that changes his perception of Tom?

She is Tom's mother and discloses his true lineage. Signup and view all the answers

What quality is Tom Jones known for, despite his faults?

His generosity and good heart. Signup and view all the answers

What type of virtue does Fielding esteem in Tom Jones?

Active virtue through action Signup and view all the answers

Which character embodies a contrast to the virtue practiced by Tom and Allworthy?

Square Signup and view all the answers

How does Fielding categorize his own work?

A blend of genres Signup and view all the answers

What approach does the narrator take towards the presentation of the story?

To reflect on authorial construction Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes the relationships among characters in Fielding's novel?

They exhibit both masculine and feminine traits. Signup and view all the answers

In what way does Fielding's narrative structure affect reader engagement?

It invites critical reflection on the narrative. Signup and view all the answers

What moral characteristic does Black George display?

Unwavering loyalty despite immorality. Signup and view all the answers

Which terms best reflect Fielding's position on the classification of his narrative?

Confounding and absurd Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements aligns with Fielding's ironic narrative style?

It prompts readers to question narrative conventions. Signup and view all the answers

What is one outcome of Fielding's treatment of stereotypes in characters?

Characters are multidimensional and complex. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Tom Jones

Tom Jones is the hero and protagonist of the story and is a "bastard" brought up by the benevolent Allworthy.
Despite his flaws, namely his lack of chastity and imprudence, Tom is virtuous due to his good heart and generosity.
Tom’s beauty and charm win him the affections of women throughout the novel and his dignified behavior leads people to believe he is a gentleman.

Sophia Western

Sophia Western is Tom’s love interest and the daughter of Squire Western.
Sophia is a gentlewoman who, like Tom, is kind to all classes and gives generously to the poor.
She is courageous and patient which allows her to reconcile her love for Tom with her filial duty to her father.

Mr. Allworthy

Mr. Allworthy is a wealthy and benevolent gentleman who lives in Somersetshire with his sister Bridget.
He is the moral compass of the story and his only real fault is that he is too trusting of people's good intentions.
He is a champion of virtue and always acts with the best intentions, which ironically fuels some of the plot of the story.

Master Blifil

Blifil is the son of Bridget Allworthy and Captain Blifil and is the antagonist to Tom Jones.
He is a hypocritical character who pretends to be pious and virtuous but is driven by greed.
His lack of genuine emotions, like his lack of desire for Sophia, makes him appear cold and calculating, rather than virtuous.

Squire Western

Squire Western is a caricature of the rough-and-ready, conservative country gentleman.
He is passionate, but easily angered and tends to react with violence towards his daughter, Sophia.
He is stubborn and adheres strongly to traditions but has a soft spot for Sophia and desires her happiness.

Mrs. Western

Mrs. Western is Sophia’s aunt and the epitome of the artificial city lady.
She is self-absorbed and driven by a desire for social advancement.
She is cunning and calculating, using political and social strategy to secure what she wants.

Partridge

Partridge is Tom’s tutor who is accused of being Tom's father.
He is a comical character, prone to making mistakes and acting impulsively.
He is loyal to Tom and ultimately a good-natured man with the best of intentions.

Jenny Jones

Jenny Jones (Mrs. Waters) is initially presented as Tom's mother and is banished by Allworthy.
She is a complex character whose moral compass is questionable.
She hides her true identity and uses deception to advance her own interests.

Bridget Allworthy

Bridget Allworthy is Tom's mother who is a plain and unattractive woman.
She marries Captain Blifil for his flattery and religious fervor.
She develops a deep affection for Tom, but she dies before they can truly be reunited.

Lady Bellaston

Lady Bellaston is a London lady and relative of Sophia who is driven by passion and lust.
She is manipulative and vindictive, and is determined to break up Sophia and Tom's relationship.
She is calculating and cold, and often uses her position and social standing to get what she wants.

Harriet Fitzpatrick

Harriet Fitzpatrick is Sophia's cousin and the wife of Mr. Fitzpatrick.
She is charming but selfish and manipulates both Sophia and Squire Western to her advantage.
Her motives are mostly selfish and fueled by a desire for power and social position.

Mr. Fitzpatrick

Mr. Fitzpatrick is an Irish gentleman who is portrayed as a dangerous and menacing character by Harriet.
He is a brave man who defends his honor and dignity.
He is willing to admit his fault and ultimately shows compassion and remorse.

Mr. Dowling

Mr. Dowling is a lawyer who works for Blifil.
He is a cunning and opportunistic individual driven by self-interest.
He shifts his alliances based on his own gain, eventually betraying Blifil for Tom and Allworthy.

Mrs. Miller

Mrs. Miller is a kind and generous woman who becomes a friend to Tom.
She shows maternal love and care towards her daughters Nancy and Betty.
She is a strong and independent woman who champions fairness and justice.

Nightingale

Nightingale is a foppish gentleman who is in love with Nancy.
He is initially immature and willing to abandon Nancy.
He ultimately shows loyalty and responsibility, recognizing the importance of his commitment to Nancy.

Lord Fellamar

Lord Fellamar is a suitor of Sophia who is easily manipulated by Lady Bellaston.
He is indecisive and easily swayed by others, ultimately falling prey to Lady Bellaston’s schemes.

Square

Square is a philosopher who lives with Allworthy.
He is a foil to Thwackum and represents another side of the moral argument presented in the story.
He is a complex character seeking intellectual justifications for his actions.

Thwackum

Thwackum is the tutor of Blifil and Tom who is a harsh and cruel man.
He claims to be devout, but his actions are hypocritical, fueled by self-interest and judgment.
He is a representation of hypocritical religiosity and the abuse of power.

Molly Seagrim

Molly Seagrim is Tom’s lover who is a headstrong and independent woman.
She is passionate and spirited, but she can be manipulative and conniving.
She represents the lower classes and challenges societal expectations for women.

Black George

Black George is a servant who is favored by Tom.
He is a morally ambiguous character; although loyal, he is prone to theft and deception.
He represents the complex and often overlooked lives of the lower classes.

Nancy Miller

Nancy Miller is the daughter of Mrs. Miller, who is a loving and virtuous young woman.
She is beloved by Nightingale, and their relationship represents another take on love and commitment.

Narrator

The narrator of the story is a direct and observant voice.
He actively participates in the story by commenting on the characters and events.
His commentary often reveals his own thoughts, beliefs, and opinions about the world.

Themes

Virtue as Action Rather Than Thought: Fielding contrasts the philosophical ideas of Virtue as espoused by characters like Square and Thwackum with the practical demonstration of virtue by Tom Jones and Mr. Allworthy.
The Impossibility of Stereotypical Categorization: Fielding challenges traditional ideas about gender, class, and social roles, suggesting that the real world is complex and cannot be fit into simple categories or expectations.
The Tension Between Art and Artifice: Fielding uses a combination of naturalism and artifice in the construction of his narrative, blending realism with intentional manipulation of the story, which encourages the reader to consider the power and influence of both honesty and deception in art and life.

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Description

This quiz explores the key characters in the novel 'Tom Jones', focusing on the protagonist Tom Jones, his love interest Sophia Western, and the benevolent Mr. Allworthy. Delve into their virtues, flaws, and their roles in the narrative. Perfect for those studying Fielding's work.