The History of Tom Jones, a Foundling

Sophia is now 18. Mr. Western adores her, and Tom initially tries to get to know Sophia in order to make Mr. Western forgive the gamekeeper. Tom, Master Blifil, and Sophia have known each other since childhood, with Sophia always getting along better with the light-hearted Tom than with the serious Master Blifil.

Going back several years, Tom is young, and he catches a baby bird and gives it to Sophia for her to raise. Sophia grows attached to the bird, keeping it on a string. Master Blifil resents how much she likes the bird, which she has named Tommy, and one day, he asks to see it. When he has the bird in his hand, he releases its string, allowing it to fly away. Tom goes after the bird, trying to catch it, but when he climbs a tree to get it, a branch snaps and he falls, nearly injuring himself. Thwackum beats Tom for causing a disturbance. Later, Master Blifil tells Sophia that he saw a hawk eat her bird, and she starts to cry.