# Chapter II explained — The History of Tom Jones, a Foundling

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

## What happens

This chapter introduces Squire Allworthy, a man blessed by both Nature and Fortune with an agreeable person, sound constitution, solid understanding, benevolent heart, and a large estate. He married a worthy woman who bore him three children, all of whom died in infancy, and he lost his wife five years before the story begins. He lives retired in the country with his sister, Miss Bridget Allworthy, a woman past thirty who prides herself on her prudence and good qualities rather than beauty, and who holds a contempt for physical charms.

## Themes in this chapter

### Fortune and Fate

The chapter describes how Nature and Fortune contended to bless Squire Allworthy, highlighting the role of fortune in his inheritance and life.

### Prudence and Circumspection

Miss Bridget Allworthy's prudence is emphasized, as she guards her conduct and holds beauty in contempt, illustrating the theme of cautious behavior.

## Character check-ins

### Squire Allworthy

Introduced as a gentleman favored by Nature and Fortune, with a benevolent heart and a large estate; a widower who lost his wife and three children.

### Mrs. Bridget

Introduced as Miss Bridget Allworthy, the sister of Squire Allworthy, past thirty, prudent, and contemptuous of beauty.

## 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, and who might well be called the favourite of both Nature and Fortune; for both of these seem to have contended which should bless and enrich him most.

A gentleman named Allworthy lived in Somersetshire and was so favored by nature and luck that they seemed to compete in blessing him.

_Introduces Squire Allworthy as exceptionally fortunate in both natural gifts and wealth._

> This lady was now somewhat past the age of thirty, an era at which, in the opinion of the malicious, the title of old maid may with no impropriety be assumed.

Miss Bridget Allworthy was over thirty, an age when unkind people might call her an old maid.

_Describes Miss Bridget's age and the social perception of unmarried women at that time._

## Links

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