The History of Tom Jones, a Foundling Book 7, Chapter 15 Summary & Analysis

The lieutenant believes the sentinel made up the story about a ghost to let Northerton escape. In fact, Northerton managed to escape by flirting with and bribing the landlady, who helped him escape by climbing down a chimney. Tom’s ghostly appearance helped the landlady put the blame for the escape on the sentinel. When Tom learns that the sentinel is to be punished, however, he tells the lieutenant everything that happened and how the sentinel was not the one to free Northerton.

The novel goes on to explain how supposedly supernatural events in the story all have rational reasons behind them, satirizing the worldviews of the more superstitious characters. Although Tom is determined to face Northerton in a duel, he shows that he hasn’t lost his merciful side as he easily forgives the sentinel who let Northerton get away. Being honorable is the most important thing to Tom, and sometimes that means fighting, while other times it means generosity.

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The History of Tom Jones, a Foundling: Book 7, Chapter 15 Summary & Analysis