The History of Tom Jones, a Foundling · Chapter
VI explained
Mrs.
What happens
Mrs. Deborah Wilkins is sent by Squire Allworthy to discover the mother of the foundling child. She visits the parish, where she is universally dreaded, and with the help of an elderly matron, she identifies Jenny Jones as the likely mother. Jenny, a servant with uncommon learning and a silk gown, is envied by her neighbors. When confronted, Jenny confesses to the fact, and Mrs. Deborah reports back to Allworthy, who is surprised and disappointed, having intended to help Jenny.
Themes in this chapter
Social Class and Inequality
Jenny Jones's learning and finery provoke envy and hostility from her neighbors, illustrating how class and education create social friction.
Hypocrisy vs. True Virtue
Mrs. Deborah Wilkins, servile to her superiors, tyrannizes the poor, while the parish women attack Jenny's character out of envy rather than genuine moral concern.
Characters to notice
- Mrs. Deborah Wilkins
Sent by Allworthy to find the mother of the foundling; she terrorizes the parish and interrogates Jenny Jones.
- Jenny Jones
A servant with learning and a silk gown, suspected and accused of being the mother; she confesses to the fact.
- Squire Allworthy
Receives Mrs. Deborah's report and is surprised; he had intended to help Jenny with a marriage and living.
- Mrs. Bridget
Mentioned as having been nursed by Jenny; she declares she will never trust a woman again.
Key passages
“Not otherwise than when a kite, tremendous bird, is beheld by the feathered generation soaring aloft, and hovering over their heads, the amorous dove, and every innocent little bird, spread wide the alarm, and fly trembling to their hiding-places.”
Just as small birds flee in terror when a hawk appears overhead, so the villagers hid in fear when Mrs. Deborah approached.
The simile emphasizes Mrs. Deborah's intimidating and predatory nature toward the poor.
“This Jenny Jones was no very comely girl, either in her face or person; but nature had somewhat compensated the want of beauty with what is generally more esteemed by those ladies whose judgment is arrived at years of perfect maturity, for she had given her a very uncommon share of understanding.”
Jenny Jones was not attractive, but she was unusually intelligent, which older women valued more than looks.
Introduces Jenny's character and the irony that her intelligence, rather than beauty, sets her apart.