The History of Tom Jones, a Foundling Book 4, Chapter 4 Summary & Analysis

Still when Tom is younger, Square, Thwackum, Allworthy and Mr. Western debate the incident of Tom and Sophia’s bird. Both Square and Thwackum think Master Blifil was right to release the bird but disagree on why they think he is right. Allworthy thinks that freeing the bird was inconsiderate but excusable for a child. Finally, Mr. Western thinks it was wrong to deprive his daughter Sophia of the bird and so wants to drink to Tom’s health, since Tom tried to save the bird. As the argument gets heated, Allworthy eventually breaks things up by calling for his coach.

The releasing of the bird becomes a prism that reflects the beliefs of each of the different characters. For Square and Thwackum, the event becomes yet another way for them to condemn Tom, as they distort their philosophies in different directions to reach the same conclusion. Mr. Western, meanwhile, only sees the even with how it relates to his daughter, and so he is strongly in Tom’s favor, since he tried to save Sophia’s bird. Only Allworthy is able to step back and consider a middle ground.

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The History of Tom Jones, a Foundling: Book 4, Chapter 4 Summary & Analysis