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Book 5, Chapter 11
Themes
and Colors
Key
LitCharts assigns a color and icon to each theme in The History of Tom Jones, a Foundling, which you can use to track the themes throughout the work.
Virtue vs. Vice
Marriage, Romance, and Economics
Appearance vs. Reality
Coming of Age
Storytelling, Literature, and Structure
Summary
Analysis
After the fight, everyone’s attention turns to Mr. Blifil, who is the most badly injured. Sophia happens upon the scene and is so upset by all the blood that she swoons immediately. Tom realizes Sophia is in need and leaves Mr. Blifil to carry Sophia to a nearby brook to revive her. Tom feels joyful about being able to help her.
Unlike Mr. Blifil and Mr. Thwackum, who delight in cruelty, Tom takes no pleasure in beating the two of them in a fight, instead immediately turning his attention to Sophia, who has passed out from witnessing the violent scene.
Active
Themes
Mr. Western surveys the scene and asks about the cause of the argument in the first place. Mister Blifil and Tom refuse to answer, but Thwackum says he believes the cause of the argument is hiding somewhere in the nearby bushes. Mr. Western beats around like he’s hunting a hare and manages to find where Molly is hiding. Sophia asks to go home, and Mr. Western agrees. He invites Tom, Thwackum, and Mister Blifil to dinner, but only Tom accepts, eager for an excuse to spend time with Sophia.
Active
Themes
