The History of Tom Jones, a Foundling · Chapter
IX explained
Jenny returns home pleased with Mr.
What happens
Jenny returns home pleased with Mr. Allworthy's reception, but public opinion turns against her when his leniency becomes known. Rumors spread that Allworthy himself is the father of the foundling, and he is criticized for both his mercy and his supposed cruelty. Allworthy, innocent of any criminal intent, removes Jenny from the neighborhood to protect her reputation and give her a chance at reform.
Themes in this chapter
Hypocrisy vs. True Virtue
The neighbors' shift from pity to malice reveals their hypocrisy, while Allworthy's genuine benevolence is contrasted with their spite.
Benevolence and Generosity
Allworthy's merciful treatment of Jenny, despite public outcry, exemplifies true generosity and the risks of doing good.
Characters to notice
- Jenny Jones
Returns home after receiving Mr. Allworthy's indulgence, but faces public scorn and rumors.
- Squire Allworthy
Shows leniency to Jenny, but becomes the target of malicious gossip accusing him of being the foundling's father.
Key passages
“for it is a secret well known to great men, that, by conferring an obligation, they do not always procure a friend, but are certain of creating many enemies.”
It is a well-known truth among powerful people that doing a favor often makes enemies rather than friends.
Fielding comments on the paradoxical social consequences of benevolence.
“He had indeed committed no other than an error in politics, by tempering justice with mercy, and by refusing to gratify the good-natured disposition of the mob, with an object for their compassion to work on in the person of poor Jenny.”
Allworthy's only mistake was a political one: he showed mercy instead of harshness, denying the crowd the spectacle of Jenny's punishment that they wanted to pity.
Fielding critiques the mob's desire for public suffering under the guise of compassion.