# Book I explained — The History of Tom Jones, a Foundling > Chapter companion for The History of Tom Jones, a Foundling by Henry Fielding. ## What happens The chapter introduces the foundling Tom Jones, discovered in the bed of the benevolent Squire Allworthy, and sets the stage for the circumstances of his birth and upbringing. ## Themes in this chapter ### Benevolence and Generosity Squire Allworthy's immediate compassion and care for the abandoned infant exemplifies the theme of benevolence. ### Social Class and Inequality The foundling's uncertain birth and the suspicion cast on Jenny Jones highlight class distinctions and the stigma of illegitimacy. ## Character check-ins ### Squire Allworthy The benevolent gentleman who discovers the foundling in his bed. ### Mrs. Deborah Wilkins Allworthy's housekeeper who assists in the discovery and care of the foundling. ### Tom Jones The foundling infant discovered in Allworthy's bed. ### Jenny Jones A young woman suspected of being the mother of the foundling. ### Mrs. Bridget Allworthy's sister, who shows interest in the foundling's fate. ## Key lines > In that part of the western division of this kingdom which is commonly called Somersetshire, there lately lived, and perhaps lives still, a gentleman whose name was Allworthy. The story is set in Somersetshire, where a gentleman named Allworthy resides. _Introduces the setting and the main benefactor of the story._ > He had a wife, whom he lost about fifteen years before; and she had presented him with three children, all of whom died in their infancy. Allworthy's wife died fifteen years ago, and their three children all died young. _Establishes Allworthy's personal loss and childless state._ ## Links - HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_history_of_tom_jones_a_foundling_se/chapters/book-i - Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_history_of_tom_jones_a_foundling_se - All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_history_of_tom_jones_a_foundling_se/chapters