The History of Tom Jones, a Foundling Book 5, Chapter 2 Summary & Analysis

Tom Jones has many visitors while recovering at Mr. Western’s from his broken arm. Allworthy sees Tom almost daily, and Thwackum also likes to come because it’s an easy way to lecture Tom. Square comes to give similarly long lectures on different themes. Mr. Blifil (formerly Master Blifil) visits rarely, as if afraid to catch some of Tom’s bad character like a disease. Mr. Western often stays by Tom’s side, except for when he’s hunting or drinking, and when he’s hunting, he pays no heed to how his loud horn wakes Tom up.

Master is a title for a child, and so as Blifil ages, he goes from being Master Blifil to Mr. Blifil. The fact that Tom was never Master Tom reflects his lower social status due to his illegitimate birth. Meanwhile, Mr. Western’s constant dedication to hunting and drinking, not caring how his horn wakes up the injured Tom, shows how he is selfish and chases his own pleasures without caring what happens to those around him.

Active Themes

Tom’s one consolation while he’s recovering is Sophia, who plays harpsichord sometimes for him and Mr. Western. One day, Sophia overhears Tom and Mr. Western talking about putting down the mare that broke Tom’s arm. She realizes that Tom’s dislike of the mare isn’t because it broke his arm but because it put Sophia’s life in danger. Sophia begins to blush, which Tom notices. Tom himself begins to realize how much he likes Sophia.

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Sophia finds ways at first to hide her feelings for Tom, seemingly playing her harpsichord for her father’s benefit when she knows in fact that Tom can overhear. But her feelings become apparent anyway when she blushes. In general in this novel, when characters try to keep a secret or hide their feelings, it is often futile, as the truth has a way of coming to light.

Active Themes

The History of Tom Jones, a Foundling: Book 5, Chapter 2 Summary & Analysis