Tom Jones was also published in 1749 (a good year for British novels!). Tom is born illegitimate and taken in by a kindly gentleman, Mr Allworthy. Tom is good-looking and good-natured, which inspires hatred in his foster-brother, Mr Bilfil, and various rivals; and love in a good many women including the beautiful and virtuous Sophia, his neighbour's daughter. Sophia's father, the Squire, loves her but becomes incoherent with rage when she refuses to marry Mr Bilfil. There are many characters in this story, from very poor to the nobility, all with their own motives and feelings towards Tom.
Fielding interpolates his own commentary on the action, and keeps the reader in suspense right to the end. Will Tom escape the gallows, be reconciled to Mr Allworthy and win Sophia?
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