The History of Tom Jones, a Foundling: Book 18, Chapter 11 Summary & Analysis

After meeting with Mr. Western, Tom tells Allworthy and Mrs. Miller that he was ultimately freed from prison by two lords. One is the Irish lord who kept Mrs. Fitzpatrick as his mistress, but Tom didn’t recognize the other, who turned out to be Lord Fellamar. From a variety of sources, including even Mr. Fitzpatrick after the duel, Lord Fellamar learned that Tom was actually a good person of noble birth. He realizes he treated Tom poorly and decided to make it up to him by trying to get him out of prison, having by this point given up any thoughts about marrying Sophia.

Mr. Blifil writes to Allworthy proposing a meeting. Allworthy is reluctant, but Tom convinces Allworthy to at least let Mr. Blifil say his piece. Mrs. Miller now enters to embrace Tom and congratulate him on his success. She is concerned about Blifil still residing in the house, so Tom volunteers to try to humanely but firmly tell Blifil he has to leave. Tom goes to talk to Blifil and finds him crying in his room. Tom tries to cheer him up, promising to treat him like a brother, but he insists Blifil has to move out. Blifil goes overboard in showing gratitude to Tom for his forgiveness, kissing his feet and promising to leave.

When Tom gets back to Allworthy, Allworthy tells him about how Black George stole the 500 pounds. Tom is shocked, having thought Black George was one of the most upright people he knew. Allworthy warns Tom that it can be a vice to be too merciful, such as when it turns into gullibility.

Meanwhile, Partridge is overjoyed to hear about all the positive things happening to Tom. He believes that it was all foretold by good omens he’s been seeing.