# Dedication explained — The History of Tom Jones, a Foundling

> Chapter companion for The History of Tom Jones, a Foundling by Henry Fielding.

## What happens

Fielding dedicates his work to the Honourable George Lyttleton, crediting him with inspiring and supporting the composition of the history. He defends the moral purpose of the book, asserting that it promotes virtue and innocence, and humorously acknowledges his patron's modesty about public praise.

## Themes in this chapter

### Benevolence and Generosity

Fielding praises Lyttleton's benevolent nature and credits him as the model for the virtuous characters in the book.

### Hypocrisy vs. True Virtue

The author contrasts genuine virtue (doing good by stealth) with the pursuit of praise, emphasizing sincerity over public acclaim.

## Key lines

> I shall always prefer the indulgence of your inclinations to the satisfaction of my own.

I will always put your wishes ahead of my own desires.

_Fielding expresses deference to his patron's preferences._

> I have endeavoured to laugh mankind out of their favourite follies and vices.

I have tried to use humor to correct people's common foolishness and bad habits.

_Fielding states his moral aim for the novel._

> Do good by stealth, and blush to find it fame.

Perform good deeds secretly and feel embarrassed when they become known.

_Fielding quotes a poet to describe his patron's modesty._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_history_of_tom_jones_a_foundling_se/chapters/dedication
- 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